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RECEPTION TO THE MEMBERS 



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Ninety-sixth Regiment, 

ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, 

AT THE RESIDENCE OF THEIR OLD 
COMMANDER, 

General John C. Smith 



TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF 
PEACH TREE CREEX, GEORGIA. 



JULY 20, 1893. 






CHICAGO: 

Knight, Leonard & Co., Printers. 

1893. 



£ W 



iv-^g-*-— 



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RESIDENCE OF GEN. JOHN C. SMITH, 65 SIBLEY ST., CHICAGO. 



RECEPTION TO THE MEMBERS 



Ninety-sixth Regiment 

ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, 

AT THE RESIDENCE OF THEIE OLD 
COMMANDER, 

General John C. Smith 



TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF 
PEACH TREE CREEK, GEORGIA. 



JULY 20, L893 



^CHICAGO -- 
HISTORICAL 

SOCIETY 



CHICAGO: 

Knight, Leonard & Co., Printers 

L893. 



■5" 
\W£Z 




GENERAL JOHN C. SMITH. 



'■A WEfX'OM E HOME." 

'Rest! soldier, rest! Xot now the trumpet pealing, 
Rousing to arms, shall thrill the patriot breast; 
For white-robed Peace shall now awhile enfold thee; 

Rest ! soldier, rest! 
Rest! soldier, rest! The joyous cannon hail thee: 

The singing trumpets' silvery tones attest 
That all bid the war-tried patriot welcome; 

Rest! soldier, rest! 

Not now the drenching rain, the weary marching; 

No fierce besiegers now thy valor test: 
No bursting shells— guerrilla raids at midnight; 
Rest! soldier, rest ! 

Not here the flashing of the foeman's sabre; 

Not here the wide ranks kneel to Death's behest: 
Naught but the glance of bright eyes kindly beaming; 
Rest! soldier, rest! 

Not here the whistling of the leaden death-shots— 

Tis but the oriole singing o'er her nest; 
The waving tree-tops whispering peace and quiel : 

Rest! soldier, rest ! 
Sec yon fair wife, a white-armed welcome waving! 

No longer now by deadly fear opprest : 
What heavenly music is that dear voice savin,"; ? 
Rest ! soldier, rest! 

A mother's kisses greet her first-born darling; 
o joy! how closely heart to heart is prest ; 
In home, sweet home, she bids the weary wanderer 

Rest ! soldier, rest ! 
Not all who answered to Columbia, calling 

On her brave sons from North, and East, and West, 
Can answer now — their voices hushed forever; 
Rest ! soldier, rest ! 

Loud let the bugle swell the note of triumph! 

Sound, trumpets! praise our bravest and our best ! 
Thousands of voices bid each hero welcome; 

Rest! soldier, rest ! " 



HEADQUARTERS 



HolKS OF RECEPTION: 
Assembly, 6 P. M. 

5EC0ND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, 4TH a.i. Retreat, 10 P. M. 

Lights Out— when you 

'.'Mil REGIMENT, [LLINOIS LNFANTR"} V r OLS. gethome. 



COMRA DES : 

Few are the years which remain fur you and your old Commander 

before we musl take our place on " Fame's eternal camping ground." 
It therefore becomes us to improve the time that we may enjoy the 
society of our comrades, who. in the terrible ordeal of battle, amid 
the zip of bullets and the fierce shriek of shell, stood shoulder to 
shoulder with ns in the defense of our common country and beneath 
its -tarry Hag. 

The nexl decade will find our ranks decimated, our comrades gone 
and few remaining to tell the story of •' how fields were lost and won." 

That each of you may enjoy another happy Reunion with your old 
Commander, he and his wife, the ••mother of the regiment," request 
your acceptance of a soldier's hospitalities at their home, 65 Sibley 
street, Chicago, the evening of Thursday, July 20,1893, the anni- 
versarj of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. 

We especially desire that each surviving comrade be present and aid 

giving a royal welcome to our you all iove, to one who shared with 
yon the hardships of the march and dangers of the battlefield. 

COMRADE (OLOXEL GEORGE HICKS, 
whose home 18 now in the West Indies, but who will be present on 
that occasion. 

Come, bring your "best girl" with you. and do not fail to advise 
us of your intention, that the Commissary may make proper requisi- 
tion for rat ions. 

bail 1 1 fully yours, 
GENERAL AND MRS. .!. ('. SMITH. 



Making Requisition 



RECEPTION 



TO THK SURVIVORS OF THE 



Mnety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers. 



Tin* twcnty-ii i nth anniversary of the hat tie of Peach Tree 
Creek, in which the Ninety-sixth Regiment bore a promi- 
nent part, was celebrated by the officers and soldiersof that 
command at the residence of their old commander, Gen- 
eral John C. Smith, July 20, 1893, at which timea recep- 
tion was given to Colonel George 1 licks, of the same regi- 
ment, whose home is now on the Island of Jamaica, 
West Indies. This is what the newspapers said of the 
coming event and how the "boys" were to celebrate the 
day: 

REUNION OF THE NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 

No man remembers his old soldier comrades with more warmth 
and affection than General John C. Smith. With their accustomed 
hospitality, General Smith and his wife, who was the mother of the 
regiment, have arranged for a pleasant reunion of the comrades of 
the Ninety-sixth Regiment with their old commander at their home, 
65 Sibley street, Chicago, on the evening of Thursday, July 20, 1893, 
tlic anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. It will be an 
occasion of rare interest to the survivors of this gallant old regiment. 
— Galena Gazette. 



\ I \ II 'i -SI Mil REGIMENT, 



COLONEL GEORGE HICKS. 



iii. will meet old comra.des of the ntnety-sixth in chicago, 

jul? 20. 

Genera] John C. Smith, of Chicago, was in the city over Sunday. 
and his daughter, Miss lint li A. Smith, who had been here a week, 
returned home withhim this morning. General and Mrs. Smith have 
issued invitations to all old soldiers of the Ninety-sixth Regiment. 
Illinois Volunteers, to at tend a reunion to he held at their home, 05 
Si0lc\ Btreet, Chicago, on Thursday. July 20, the anniversary of the 
battle of Peach Tree Creek. All of the veterans of that regiment 
who can gel away are planning to attend. 

• Mi that occasion they will have the pleasure of meeting their old 
Commander, Colonel George Hicks, of Jamaica, who is now in Chi- 
cago, a guest at General Smith's home, having arrived there Satur- 
day. Prior to the war Colonel Hicks was associate editor of the Ga- 
m \\ Gazette. He enlisted in Co. A of the Ninety-sixth, and 
wlnn General Smith was made Brigadier-General he became com- 
mander of the regiment. After the war lie went to the West Indies 
and he isnow [nspector of Schools of the Island of Jamaica, a gov- 
ernment position with life tenure. While Colonel Hicks hopes to meet 
••ill his old comrades in Chicago, he will visit Galena while in the 
country. His sister, Mrs. Marie A. Oughton, who left Galena forty 
years ago to go to the Indies as a missionary, is also now in the United 
States, accompanied by her husband. They are making a stay of two 
weeks at the sanitarium at Dansville, N. V.. after which they will 
visil Genera] and Mrs. Smith in Chicago. — Galena Gazette. 



NINETY-SIXTH REUNION. 
Genera] and Mrs. J. C.Smith (Mrs. Smith was called the " mother 
of the regimenl ") have extended an invitation to the survivors of the 
Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to a soldier's hos- 
pitalities at their home. 65 Sibley street. Chicago, from to 10 
p m., Thursday, July 20, L893. Colonel George Hicks, Colonel of the 
Regiment, nowa resident of the VVesI Indies, will be present. In the 
invitation General Smith says : " Few are the years which remain for 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 9 

you and your old Commander before we must take our place on 
• Fame's eternal camping ground.' It therefore becomes us to improve 
the time that we may enjoy the society of our comrades, who, in the 
terrible ordeal of battle, amid the zip of bullets and the tierce shriek 
of shell, stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the defense of our com- 
mon country and beneath its starry flag. The next decade will rind 
our ranks decimated, our comrades gone, and few remaining to tell 
the story of bow fields were lost and won." July 20 will be the anni- 
versary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, in which the Ninety-sixth 
participated, and the General in closing says: "Come, bring your 
■ best girl' with you and do not fail to advise us of your intention, that 
the ' commissary ' may make proper requisition for rations." Following 
the signature of General ami Mrs. Smith on the invitation is a picture 
of a game rooster on a double-quick, which is suggestive of the com- 
missary either in the coming .Inly or the duly before the Peach 
Tree Creek fight — probably both. — Warren Sentinel. 



A UNIQUE [NVITATION. 

The survivors of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, have received from their old commander, General John ('. 
Smith, the unique invitation which from its novelty we reprint below. 
The regiment was made up from Lake and do Daviess counties, and 
many men now prominent in Fake county affairs belonged to it. For 
their old commander and his wife, who was also much of the time 
during the war at the front with her husband, they appeal- to hear the 
deepest respect, and it is fully returned. — Lake County Patriot. 



General and Mrs. John ('. Smith have invited the survivors of his 
old command, the Ninety-sixth Regiment, to a reunion at their home 
in Chicago, on duly ^o. — Waakegan <■'":>'/<■. 



Gen. John C. Smith, of Chicago, who has ever kepi in touch with 
his comrades of the war. invites all of bis old command to a general 
reunion at his house. 65 Sibley street, on the evening of July 20, to 
meet Col. George Hicks, of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, who has 
long resided in Jamaica, West Indies, where he is Superintendent of 
Public Instruction. We shall he there.— Freeport Journal 



Id NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



Ami this is vvhal the press said on the next morning, 
July '2\ . and how the " boys " did celebrate : 

COMRADES WERE THEY. 



VETERANS OF THE NINETY-SIXTH — SURVIVORS OF THE GALLANT 

OLD REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS GREET THEIR 

COLONEL, GEORGE BICKS, AT GENERAL JOHN 

I . SMITH'S HOSPITABLE HOME. 

With the hearty grip thai only an old soldier gives when lie meets 
his former comrades of the battlefield, Colonel George Hicks last night 
greeted those who had fought side by side with him during the civil 
war. Something more than a mere grip of hands was the old soldier's 
greeting as bis 'comrades crowded around him at the reunion of the 
surviving members of the Ninety-sixth Regime.nt of Illinois Infantry 
Volunteers. It was fraught with memories of that terrible battle at 
Peach Tree (reek, which took place exactly twenty-nine years ago. 
Where else hut at the home of General J. C. Smith. 05 Sibley street, 
could such a reunion be held last night ? It was at the General's call 
thai the gallant men of the Ninety-sixth fought their way to victory 
many a time during the heat and strife of the civil war. And it was 
General Smith who arranged the reunion on the anniversary of the 
battle of Peach Tree Creek, in honor of Colonel Hicks, for the latter 
was in command of the Illinois regiment on that day, and rode in the 
\ an to \ ictorj . 

General and Mrs. Smith had issued a call to the old boys of the 
regimenl to come to their house to honor Colonel Hicks. They came 
from such distant point- as Maine and Oregon, North Dakota, and the 
West Indies. Some were seared hy the indelible marks of strife, others 
wrinkled l.y time, but their greeting was the more hearty as they 
grasped their old Colonel's hand. Many of them remembered the day 
"hen the regimenl was disbanded, and each man turned his own way 
to follow a peaceful \oratioii. At that time Colonel Hicks was broken 
down in health, the resull of exposure and privations during the war. 
He addressed his comrades in weak and trembling accents as he bade 
them farewell. Then he went to Jamaica for his health's sake and 
iinalK recovered. While in Jamaica he was appointed inspector of 



CHICAGO 

HISTORICAL 

SOCIETY 



[LLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 11 



schools, and he still holds this position. He returned to Chicago in 
this capacity in order to attend the congress of education to be held at 
the Art institute next week, lie is one of the vice-presidents of the 
congress, and is considered a great authority on educational matters. 
General Smith took advantage of his presence in Chicago and arranged 
last night's reception for him. 

RECALLING PLEASURE, FORGETTING PAIN. 

Previous to his enlistment, Colonel Hicks was superintendent of 
schools in Jo Daviess county, and it was owing to his knowledge in 
this particular line that he received the appointment in Jamaica. The 
old teacher and soldier has also been a journalist. Before the war lie 
learned how to set type, and shortly after he had mastered the printer's 
trade he became one of the editors of the Galena Gazette. Around him 
last night gathered the hoys of the old regiment, and many were the 
stories retold of nights around the camp-fires and scenes on the battle- 
field, (hie sturdy veteran pushed his way through the group and held 
out his left hand to the Colonel. His right sleeve was empty: he had 
left the arm at Chickamauga. 

"Don't you know me?" he said. "I am Corporal Robinson. 
Don't you remember how we stole the beans and turkey?" 

The Colonel remembered, and shook the hand of his comrade 
.silently. There was a tear behind the smile on both men's faces. One 
of the liveliest veterans there was If. P. Barnum, who declared he was 
the only man who turned the other cheek to The enemy after being 
struck on one side of the face. He had been shot twice through the 
cheeks, once at the battle of Ketiesaw Mountain and once at Chicka- 
mauga. There was Dr. Moses Evans, who had bandaged the wounds 
of the boys. Genera] Miles and General Atkins were there to do honor 
to ( lolonel Hicks. 

GUESTS ol-' I'll E EVENING. 
Among those present were: 
Messrs. and Mesdaines — 

Walter W. Hastings. J. II. Linklater, J. 0. Blodgett, 

W. J. Neal. P». Serviss. J. A. Beck, 

II. R. Buser, J. Grabham, S. II. Bayne, 

R. C. Culleii, R. S. Thain, J. M. Douglas. 

George Teale, H.H.Gage, W.F.Taylor, 

Edward Murray. .1. W. Besley, W. M. Perry. 

0. C. Whitney, Edwin Dritry. E. C. Carpenter. 

G. II. I'oote. C. A. Partridge. 



!•' 



n i s i:ty 



VIII REGIMENT, 



Madame 

General J. A. Mali l>y. 

( !lara Smil h. 
I law kins. 
Dombski, 

Messrs. — 

James Bicks, 
II. W. Goding, 
A. Dickinson. 
K. A. Blodgett, 
Jerry Savage, 

I. Butterfield, 
W. (>. Fisher. 
M. S. Hill. 

M. II. Cleveland, 
T. .1. Sherk, 
F. W. Pierce, 
Henry Kern, 
Simon Spencer, 
T. Trevarthen, 
Jacob Nadig, 
I). W. Dimmick, 
I', G. Worth, 

II. I'. Barnum, 
T. Blackler, 

(i. II. Burnett, 
llenn Gage, 
C. E.Webb, 
\\ II. Busbev, 



Clarke. 

Kat ic J Castings, 



Moses Evans, 

W. L. Gayetty, 

J. C. Smith. 

Oscar Kellon, 

M. A. Bryant, 

(). E. Whitcomb, 

C. II. Tebbetts, 

M. B. Blunt, 

S. C. Gault, 

Wm. Marble, 

( 'has. Hawkins, 

W. II. Khlcrs. 

F. \\. Byers, 

R. E. Stanley, 

Jerome Burnet I, 

.1. K. Pollock, 

Rev. William Gillies, 

S. L. Buser, 

.1. A. Mason, 

M. I'). ( rilmore, 

W. W. Dwyer, 

W. Vincent, 

•I. F. Olarkson, 



Hill. 

Rose A. Cook. 



II. IF Kohlsaat, 
Peter Davison. 
H. Dombski. 
C. T. Dickson, 
Joseph Savage, 
( '. .Johnson, 
.1. Fisher, 
Henry Darby, 
IF S. Van Devort, 
M. M. Blunt. 
Arthur Cook, 
.1. McLaren, 
J. A. Robinson, 
James Murrie, 
IF Weatb.er.by, 
C. W. Earle, ' 
.1. H. Beasley, 
C. G. Futtman, 
John King, 
Smith 1). Atkins, 
M. F. (ioding, 
W. S. Stevens, 
W. IF Fewin. 



A new flag of i he regiment fluttered from the porch of General 
Smith/fl house. It bore the names of the battles in which the regiment 
took part — Chickamauga, Lookoul Mountain, Rocky Face Ridge, Res- 
aca, Peach Tree Creek, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain. Jones- 
boro, Lovejoj Station, Franklin, Atlanta and Nashville. General and 
Mi- Smith began to welcome the .--nests at six o'clock, and they led 
them over to the corner where the modes! old soldier. Colonel Hicks. 
vvafi awaitinc t hem. 



ILLINOIS IM'AXTKY VOLUNTEERS. lo 



BACK TO THE FRONT IN MEMORY. 

"Field and staff to form and proceed to draw rations,'* called the 
General. The procession went upstairs to the attic, where a surprise 
was in store for the veterans. They had been gazing on the old reg- 
imental colors downstairs, and had wandered under the stars and 
stripes, which were hung all over the house. But in the attic the\ 
found General Smith's tent, which he used as his headquarters during 
the war. rigged up, and containing a soap box as a desk. By the side 
of the tent was a stack of rifles. 

" Fall in line." commanded the General, "and prepare to receive 
hardtack. It may he warm here, but it isn't as hot as it was at Peach 
Tree ( 'reek. - ' 

Then the veterans were served on tin plates with bacon and beans 
and biscuits, washed down with sugarless black coffee. Some of the 
old hoys sat down on the floor as they used to do when hardtack was 
served during the war. They told the old stories, recognized each 
other again, and remembered how one man had been shot while raising 
his coffee to his lips, another while bending over the fire. The orches- 
tra downstairs played national airs, and some of the boys felt like sing- 
ing and they did sing. Then there were speeches full of well-earned 
compliments for Colonel Micks and General Smith. The latter was 
telling a group of friends that the Colonel was one of the bravest in 
the regiment, and was always careful of his men, sparing them on the 
march and attent ive to them in camp. 

•• (hie of the maii\ incidents which bound me more closely to Col- 
onel Hicks." said the General, "occurred at Cleveland, Tenn., during 
the winter of 1863-4. Me had obtained leave of absence, but when 1 
told him we were aboul to break camp and march to Blue Springs he 
refused to take his leave, and went through a week's campaign with 
me in sleet and snow, with constant skirmishing, and bloody fighting 
at Tunnel Mill and Dalton. Colonel Micks commanded his regiment 
through nearly all the Atlanta campaign and in those memorable clos- 
ing scenes of the war. Me was twice breveted for gallantry and faith- 
ful services/' 

■ And while General Smith talked like this, others were equally loud 
in their praise of the Colonel. The host did not intend to send his 
-nests away with only a taste of hardtack. An elegant supper was 
provided, and after the last course it was time for the veterans and 
their wives to retreat homeward. — The Cliicaijo Herald. 



1 I MNi: TV -SIXTH REGIMENT, 



OLD SOLDIERS MEET. 



KIM NhiN HI \ ETERANS AT THE HOME OF GENERAL JOHN C. SMITH 

TALKED OVER WAR SCENES — HARDTACK, SOW-BELLY AND 
CAMP COFFEE ADJUNCTS — COMRADES AT THE 
BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK WEL- 
COMED BY THEIR COMMANDER. 

'• No sound was heard of clashing wars, 
Peace brooded o'er the hushed domain." 

The spirit of patriotism flamed in the hearts of the grizzled veter- 
ans who met and exchanged war memories at the beautiful home of 
General and Mrs. John C. Smith, Xo. 65 Sibley street, between the 
hours of 6 and 1<> o'clock last evening. Those who fought and re- 
ceived scars in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Peach 
Tree Creek, Franklin, Nashville and other memorable engagements, 
once more had the opportunity to clasp hands with their immediate 
comrades and revive thrilling stories of how fields were lost and won. 
Mingling with the battle-scarred heroes and listening to their tales of 
carnage were Eresh, young, quick-stepping, bright-eyed Sons of Vet- 
erans, handsome in bright new uniforms, and throbbing with love of 
country. Many of the old soldiers were accompanied by their wives 
and daughters. 

5Testerday was the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. 
and the even! Ias1 evening was a reception given by General and Mrs. 
Smith to survivors of the old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois In- 
fantry Volunteers, which took part in that historic engagement. 
Feeling thai the timfe must soon conic when the last veteran will 
be required to answer the last roll call, General Smith's design in giv- 
ing this reception, which partook largely of the nature of a reunion, 
was thai the comrades of his old command, who stood shoulder to 
shoulder in defense of the starry flag some thirty years ago, might 
have one more opportunity to enjoy one another's society before their 
ranks shall have been still further decimated. 

Here are the names of some of the old warriors and other guests 
who Btrolled through the house and grounds during the evening: 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 



L5 



ROSTER OF VETERANS AND FRIENDS. 



General John E. Smith, 
General A. L. Chetlain, 
General 0. S. Bentley, 
Ibrahim Hakky Bey, 
Ahmed Fahri Bey, 
Abdul Rahman. 
IT. W. Lake, 
Dr. Fred. W. Byers, 
Major J. K. Pollock, 
Hon. Chas. A. Partridge, 
John W. Beasley, 
H. P. Barnaul. 
James Murrie, 
Myron B. Gilmore, 
II. Dombski, 
Captain J. H. Collier, 
H. A. Webb, 
Judge Kohlsaat, 
W. II. Busbey, 
('. II. Tebbetts, 
John McLaren. 
0. E. Whitcomb. 
Dr. Charles W. Earle, 
Captain A. Z. Blodgett, 
J ml. A. Mason, 
Thomas Blackler, 
W. W. Dwyer, 



R. 8. Thain, 

Captain George H. Burnett, 

Hiram Weatherly, 

Dr. Moses Evans, 

Captain C. B. Funk. 

George E. Douet, 

E. Haughton Sanguinetti, 

Dr. I. Prince, 

Rev. William Gillies, 

Captain William Vincent, 

Matt M. Brunei 1 , 

Captain George W. Pepoon. 

General Charles Waite, 

General Smith D. Atkins, 

II. W. (i. Hiding, 

Major E. A. Blodgett, 

Henry H- Gage, 

James I >onahue, 

John E. Clarkson, 

Captain W. F. Taylor, 

James W. Scott, 

Judge James B. Brad well, 

Il.ai. DeWiti C. Cregier, 

J. I). C. W hitneys 

Dr. W. S. Stevens. 

M. TJmbdenstock, 

Professor .). Gelert. 



John King. 

WELCOME TO OLD COMRADES. 

The receiving party was composed of General and Mrs. Smith, 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton, of Jamaica. West Indies: Colonel 
George Hicks, of Jamaica; Miss Gertie K. Wood, of Newport, Ky.. 
and Miss Ruth A. Smith. 

Avery happy circumstance in connection with the reunion was the 
presence" of Colonel George Hicks, formerly of Galena, but now a 
resident of the West Indies, who is well known and highly honored as 
an officer and comrade of the old Ninety-sixth Illinois. General 
Smith was particularly desirous that many surviving comrades should 



L6 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



be "ii hand and meet and welcome Colonel Hicks, one whom they all 
love and honor. All the survivors of the old command remember very 
well how Colonel Hicks shared with them the hardships of the march 
and the dangers of the battlefield. 

The veterans, with their ladies and other invited guests, began to 
arrive at ''• o'clock, and soon afterward the house was aglow with light 
and color. In every room and hall there were sounds of merriment. 
and many of the company wandered out in the surrounding grounds 
and into Vernon Park, which is in front of the General's home, and 
talked over old times in the moonlight. Over the front door hung a 
large silk Hag. containing upon its proud stripes the names of some of 
the hardest fought battles in which the regiment participated. 

Inside the decorations were more elaborate. The main staircase, 
the parlors and other parts of the house were beautifully draped with 
Hags and bunting, while rare cnt flowers were scattered about in great 
profusion. The old. torn battle flags of the Ninety-sixth Illinois and 
various interesting war relics were displayed. In the library a big 
book was provided, and on a clean page of the same every survivor 
present was required to register his name. 

SERVED WAK RATIONS. 

A feature of the reception which contributed vastly to the enjoy- 
ment of old and young alike was the serving of war rations. Immedi- 
ately upon the arrival of guests they were escorted to a large room at 
the top of the house, where navy beans, " sow-belly" and black coffee 
and •" hardtacK " were handed out in true camp style. The coffee was 
served in tin cups, and the beans, bacon and •'hardtack''' on tin 
plates. Nothing could have been ottered that would have pleased the 
old soldiers and their friends more. Every one was regaled with this 
camp-life tare. 

Then there was music b> an orchestra which studied the peculiar 
tastes of old heroes. Old-time music, such as "The Flowers of Edin- 
burgh," •■ Logan Water." " Annie Laurie/' " The White Cockade." 
••The Bould Soldier Boy," "Come, Easte to the Wedding," "John 
Brown," " Ifalh Round the Flag, Boys," and " Easy Still," was heard. 
Once in awhile the hand thrilled the hearts of the listeners with the 
music of "The Girl I Lefl Behind Me." Then the programme was 
varied with such tunes as "The Darkey's Dream," and "Maggie 
Nolan's Ball." Occasionally the strains of "Hail Columbia" and 
"The-Star Spangled Banner" were heard. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 17 



Shortly after 9 o'clock modern refreshments were served in the 
dining room. The tables were handsomely decorated with (lowers 
and small flags. Immediately afterward the informal programme of 
the evening was carried out. This consisted of shorl speeches by 
General Smith, the host. General Smith D. Atkins, of Freeport, 111., 
.lames W. Scott. Judge 11. II. Kohlsaat and Rev. William Gillies, of 
Jamaica. These gentlemen all gave interesting war reminiscences, 
and talked of the delights of the reunions of old comrades, and 
praised the World's Fair, which was the indirect means of bringing 
many old friends and comrades of war times together. 

About 125 survivors of the Ninety-sixth Illinois were present, and 
they came from all over the country : from the east as far as Vermont, 
from the west as far as Oregon, from the south as far as Louisiana, 
and from the north as far as the Dakotas. Soon after 10 o'clock 
"retreat" was sounded, and, as the invitations said, "lights out — 
when you get home." 

Colonel George Hicks, whose presence made the reception doubly 
enjoyable, is well known as a former citizen of Galena, the home of 
Generals Grant, John A. Rawlins, John E. Smith, A. L. Chetlain, 
Jasper A. Maltby, William R. Rowley, John C. Duer. John G. Smith 
and others greatly distinguished in the war. He was born in Massa- 
chusetts, but reared in Illinois. Before the war he was superintend- 
ent of schools in Jo Daviess county. Soon after the war he went to 
Jamaica, where he was appointed inspector of schools in the depart- 
ment of education, a position which he still holds. He is prominent 
in all educational affairs, and while in Chicago will take part in the 
world's congresses on education which are going on in the Art Palace 
on the lake front. 

COLONEL HICKS AND THE NINETY-SIXTH. 

The Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry, was recruited in Jo 
Daviess and Lake counties, and marched away to the war in 1862, 
fully 1,000 strong. The late Thomas E. Champion was its Colonel, 
and General John C. Smith and Colonel George I licks were at that 
time captains in the organization. The regiment was not mustered 
out of service until 180.'), after the surrender at Appomattox. All the 
survivors remember that it was given a hearty reception in Chicago 
on its return from the battlefields on which it had won many honors 
and left many of its comrades. 

The Ninety-sixth Illinois was in many notable engagement's. The 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 19 



first great battle in which it took part was that of Chickamauga, where 
it fought under the command of the late General James B. Steedman, 

of Toledo. Ohio. At Chickamauga it met with great loss. Among 
the killed was Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, of Lake county. It was in 
the memorable battle of Lookout Mountain and in several important 
engagements of the Atlanta campaign. In the battle of Kenesaw 
Mountain both Colonel Champion and General Smith were severely 
wounded. Afterward the brave Ninety-sixth participated in the bat- 
tles of Franklin and Nashville. 

In short, the regiment has a history that is filled with heroic deeds. 
Since the war the survivors have enjoyed several happy reunions. In 
L875 a general reunion was held at Waukegan. In L886 there was 
also a general reunion at Galena. Four years ago. on the eve of his 
departure to the West Indies for his health. General Smith gave a 
notable reception, which almost amounted to a reunion, to his old 
comrades at his residence. Many distinguished soldiers were present 
at these former reunions who have since taken their place on " Fame's 
eternal camping ground." — TJie Daily Inter Ocean. 



Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith. »',,"> Sibley street, hold a reception this 
evening from G till Id o'clock in honor of Col. George Hicks, of 
Jamaica. West Indies. All the surviving members of the colonel's 
old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Infantry, have been invited from all over 
the United States, and about three hundred acceptances were received. 
The receiving party contains : 

Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton and 
Col. George Hicks, of Jamaica; Miss Mood, of Newport; Miss Ruth 
A. Smith. 

The balls and parlors are elaborately trimmed with the Hags of all 
nations, and Johnson will tivv\e in the dining-room, where the national 
colors will be used. From 7 till 8 o'clock the old soldiers will be en- 
tertained in the ball room, on the top floor, which has been fitted up 
as much as possible like a camp. 

In the east end is a tent containing army boxes, cots and stools, 
and the walls and columns are draped with flags and bunting. Guns 
are stacked by the door and army blankets spread over the cots. In 
one corner black coffee, bacon, beans and hardtack will be served 
from tin plates and cups. Among the 600 guests invited are : 



Mi NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



Ex-Presidenl Harrison, Gens. 0. <>. Howard, \V. S. Rosecrans, 
A. Baird, John E. Smith. John C. Black, Nathan Kimball, A. L. 
Chetlain, Ex-Gov. U. J. Oglesby, Gov. John C. Beveridge. Capts. W. 
!■'. Taylor, II. P. Barnum, William Vincent, Henry H. Gage, J. H. Col- 
lier. Messrs. .lames Donohue, John E. Clarkson, II. II. Kohlsaat, 
James W. Scott, William II. Busbey, Charles G. Luttman. Drs. 
Charles \\ . Earle, Moses Evans, Prof. J. Gelert. — Chicago Daily News. 



GEN. JOHN ('. SMITH AND HIS OLD REGIMENT. 

A large reception was given by Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, 65 
Sibley street, Thursday evening, in honor of Col. George Hicks, of 
Jamaica, West Indies. Guests were there from all parts of the United 
States, for all the surviving members of the General's old regiment, 
the Ninety-sixth Infantry, were invited to meet again those who 
shared with him the pleasures of the camp and dangers of the 
battlefield. In the receiving party were Gen. and Mrs. J. C, Smith, 
Miss Wood, of Newport, Ky. ; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton, of 
Kingston, Jamaica : Miss Ruth A. Smith, and Col. George Hicks. 

The flags of all nations decorated the rooms, the receiving party 
standing under a canopy made of American flags. A familiar sight 
to the old warriors was a tent fitted up with the camp paraphernalia 
used by Ceo. Smith during the war. in which army fare was served 
from army service of tin cup and plates. In the dining room where 
refreshments were served the decorations were all in red, white and 
blue, and an orchestra screened by stars and stripes played patriotic 
air-. Among the invited guests were : 

* * V * * * * * * * * * 

A large portion of the evening was devoted to personal reminis- 
cences of members of the regiment. These gatherings are pleasing in 
their character and tend to make the hearts of the young men and 
women of (an' land burn with patriotism. Soon the men who fought 
the battles for the preservation of the Onion will pass away and then 
such gatherings will be impossible. General and ex-Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor Smith is one of the most popular men in the State and just ly 
30. He has been State Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, Grand Mas- 
ter of Masons, Grand Commander of Knights Templar, at the head 
of the Order of Odd Fellows; is a 33d degree Mason, and Deputy for 



ILLINOIS IXFAXTRY VOLUNTEERS. 21 



Illinois of the Supreme Council, 33d degree. Not a day of his lift- 
pusses but that he suffers severely from the effects of wounds and 
malaria received in the service under Generals Grant and Sherman in 
the greal battles preparatory to the march to the sea. 

General Smith would not be with us to-day were it not for Mrs. 
Smith, the mother of the regiment, who, by her excellent care and 
nursing, when wounded and thought to be about to die, brought him 
back to life. 

Mrs. Smith and the General take great delight in entertaining not 
only the veterans, but all their friends, and their name is legion. — 
( Tiicago Legal News. 

On roll-call the following were found present for duty : 

Field and Staff. 

Gen. John C. Smith and wife Chicago. 

/ Col. George Hicks , Kingston Jamaica, W. I. 

Adjutant Edward A. Blodgett and wife Chicago. 

Ass't Surgeon Moses Evans Evanston, III. 

Ass't Surgeon Frederick W. Byers Monroe, Wis. 

Sergt. Major Charles A. Partridge and wife. . .Waukegan, 111. 

Quartermaster-Serg't Benj. F. Shepard Gurnee, 111. 

Commissarv-Scrg't .Morris S. Hill and daughter. Wauconda, 111. 

Principal Musician Hiram Weatherley Oregon. 

Fife-Major A. R. Douglass Gurnee, 111. 

•*A" Company. 

Capt. William Vincent Galena, 111. 

Samuel C. Gault Lanark, 111. 

Wm. L. Gayetty Savanna, 111. 

Benjamin F. Fox Fort Dodge, la. 

"B" Company. 

( a | it. George H. Burnett Waukegan. 111. 

Lieut. Geo. Wait and wife Volo, 111. 

Sergt. Arthur Cook Wauconda. 111. 

Corp. Orville P. Barron Gray's Lake, 111. 

Corp. Major II. Cleveland Garnett, Kan. 



NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



Corp. Jerome Bnrneti and wife Antioch, III. 

Corp. Warren E. Powers and wife Wauconda, 111. 

Dighton Granger and daughter Yolo. 111. 

W hitman <>. Fisher and daughter Hainesville. 111. 

Thomas E. Wells and wife Vermont. 

u '"• Garble Wauconda, 111. 

.ranies A. Beck and wife Gurnee 111. 

Isaac Butterfield and wife Waukegan, 111. 

Elijah ('. Carpenter and wife Elgin, 111. 

Henry Dombski and daughter Gray's Lake, 111. 

George E. Sendee Gray's Lake! 111. 

M.\ ron A. Bryant Waukegan, 111. 

Oscar E. Whitcomb Chicago. 

Jonn T « Morrill and wife Gray's Lake, 111. 

John H. Cruver Chicago. 

M v,un Gilmore Great Bend, Kan. 

William .1. Fuller Libertvville, 111. 

James E - Milord Chicago. 



a n > 



C " Company. 

Capt. John K. Pollock Millburn. Ill 

Lieut - ( Carles W. Earle Chicago/ 

Sergt. Edward Murray and wife Waukegan, 111. 

Sergt. James Rfurrie Millburn, 111. 

Sergt. Lewis II. Bryant Ivanhoe, 111. 

Corp. Samuel Clark and daughter Harrington, 111. 

Gor P- 0scar Kect <>r Kenosha, Wis. 

Cor P- Wm - B. Benin Russell, 111. 

Cor P- Henry P. Barnum Waukegan. HI. 

Wim&m "■ E Wers Nebraska. 

n " n, ' v Kern Libertyville, 111. 

Joseph ( !. Whitney and wife Lak e Zurich. Ill 

' ,rm Sava S e Antioch, 111, 

Jo8e P h Sava S e Antioch, 111. 

° harle8 K Webb Waukegan, 111. 

• ,nll,! W - Me 3 ; ""l ^ife Waukegan, HI. 

[raCri °° Evanston, 111. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 23 

" I) " Company. 

( !apt. Asiel X. Blodgett and wife Waukegan, 111. 

Capt. Walter W. Hastings, wife and daughter, Dixon, 111. 

Capt. .John H. Collier and wife Gibson, 111. 

Lieut. Jerry II. Linklater and wife Chicago. 

Corp. I. M. Douglas and wife Lake Villa, 111. 

( or].. Fred. G. Worth Wadsworth, 111. 

( !orp. Henry A. Webb and wife Aurora, 111. 

Jacob Van Patten and wife Antioch. 111. 

Robert E. Stanley Nippersink, Lakeco.,111. 

Richard S. Thain and wife Oak Park, 111. 

< has. S. Hawkins and daughter Avon, 111. 

( 'has. J. Neal and wife Random Lake, Wis. 

Chas. T. Dickinson and daughter Chicago. 

( 'has. E. Webb Chicago. 

Adrian P. I >ouglas Lake Villa, 111. 

II. .1. King....' Gibson, 111. 

( 'has. Spaulding Waukegan, III. 

.lohn E. Clarkson Chicago, 111. 

Martin M. Blunt Marena, Kan. 

•• E " ( Iompany. 

( 'apt. William F. Taylor and wife Chicago. 

Sergt. Royal J. < iooper Nora, 111. 

Sergt. Daniel W. Dimmick Apple River. 111. 

Corp. .lohn Grabham and wife Twin Falls, Kan. 

( reo. Teal and wife Lamoni, Iowa. 

Hiram X. Perry and wife Wiota, Wis. 

■■ K '* Company. 

Lieut. Franklin W.Pierce Elizabeth, 111. 

Sergt. ('has. G. Luttman Neenah, Wis. 

( !orp. Simeon Spencer Council Hill, 111. 

Corp. Thomas Trevarthan Council Hill, 111. 

( !orp. -lohn A. Robison Savanna, 111. 

Edward Hancock and wife. Harvard, 111. 

'• (i ** ( lOMPANY. 

('apt. Benj. G. Blowney Waukegan, 111. 



■.'I NINETY-SIXTB REGIMENT, 

Sergt. ( lias. J. Miller Waukegan, III. 

Corp. Henry 11. Gage and wife Chicago. 

< lorp. JudsoD A. Mason Prairie View, 111. 

.lames I tonahue Chicago. 

Benry I >arl>\ Libertyville. III. 

t leorge 1 1. Foote and wife Elgin, 111. 

I'M win Drurv and wife Wilmette, 111. 

Thomas \V. I >wyer Waukegan, 111. 

Joseph Palmer Waukegan, 111. 

Xiilmin Lamb Gurnee, 111. 

Daniel II. Gail ami wii'e Chicago. 

Albert A. Burge ami wife Fredonia, Kan. 

Thomas Blackler and wife So. Evanston. 111. 

John Triggs and wife Chicago, HI. 

•<H" Company. 

Lieut. Samuel II. Bayne and wife Salem, Neb. 

Sergt. John A. Francisco and wife Warren, 111. 

Sergt. H. S. Vandervort and wife Warren, 111. 

Sergt. Mathais M. Brunerand daughter Apple River, 111. 

Corp. Andrew Johnson Browntown, Wis. 

Cor}). Peter Davison Chicago. 

Richard C. Cullen and wife Warren, 111. 

"I" Company. 

Charles R. Tippert Scales Mound, 111. 

William M. Perry and son (John Corson) . . . .Elizabeth, 111. 
-Moses Rees Galena, 111. 

"K" Company. 

Lieut. George W. Pepoon Warren, 111. 

Sergt. I lenry W. Coding Warren, 111. 

Tims. J. Sherk Warren. 111. 

Jacob NTadeg Rush. 111. 

Samuel L. Buser and daughter Warren, 111. 

II. Et. Buser and wife ( !edar Rapids, la. 

.lame- 1 1 icks Warren. 1 II. 

Beri Sen iss and wife Warren, III. 



ILLINOIS INIANTKY VOLUNTEERS. 



G [JESTS. 

Eon. Thomas Oughton and wife Kingston, Jamaica, W. I. 

Gen. Smith D. Atkins Freeport, 111. 

James \\ . Scott and wife Chicago. 

Gen. A. L. Chetlain Chicago. 

F. II. Cole and wife Omaha, Neb. 

Herbert S. Hicks Rockford, 111. 

(len. 0. S. Bentley Chicago. 

Win. Gillies Kingston, Jamaica, W. I. 

Dr. F. C. Schaefer and wife.. Chicago. 

Robt. A. Smith and wife Chicago. 

J. D. C. Whitney and wife (St urges Rifles) ... Chicago. 

Aaron J. Miksch and wife (50th Ohio) Chicago. 

M iss ( lara Smith Chicago. 

Mrs. Gen. J. A. Maltby Chicago. 

C. II. Tebbetts an. I wile (37th III.) Chicago. 

Miss Rose A. Beck Gurnee, III. 

Miss Katie Hastings Dixon. III. 

Lester E. 1'artridge Waukegan, 111. 

Myron L. Goding Warren. III. 

R. K. Drown So. Evanston, 111. 

Henry McCall and wife (15th III.) Chicago. 

( I il \V. Barnard and wife Chicago. 

Mi- Annie L. Barnard Chicago. 

John C. Smith. Jr.. ami wife Chicago. 

Allan R. Tomlin Chicago. 

Harlow A. Leekley Chicago. 

Samuel 11. Smith ami wife Chicago. 

Miss Ruth A. Smith Chicago. 

M iss Jessie Bentley Chicago. 

Judge C. C. Kohlsaat Chicago. 

M is. A. E. Leekley Chicago. 

Miss Charlotte A. Leekley Chicago. 

Miss Annie Thatcher Aurora. 

Gen. John C. Smith Camp Lis. Sons of Veterans.:;!) men. under 
command of Capt. C. D. Funk. 



26 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

REGRETS. 

Guests. 

Prof. Johannes < relert Chicago. 

Gen. Charles Waite Lena. 111. 

James N. Brown St. Louis, Mo. 

\\ in. Schucherl Chester, 111. 

( lapl . Roberi 1 1 . Mann Chester. 111. 

Loyal L. Mnnn Freeport, 111. 

William A. Montgomery Chicago. 

John M. Campbell Chicago. 

Dr. I. Prince Chicago. 

Elam L. Clarke Chicago. 

Dr. J. 0. Harris Ottawa. 111. 

'•A*' Company. 
Nathaniel Tutin Bartlett, Neb. 

•• B *' Company. 
George II. I >ay Wabasha, Minn. 

•• C " Company. 

M. Umbdenstock Chicago. 

Watson Markley Minneapolis, Kan. 

Amelious Ames Waukegan, 111. 

Henry Sneesby Villard, Minn. 

John White, Sr Rosecrans, 111. 

" D" Company. 

.1. C Whitney Lake Zurich, 111. 

•• E " Company. 

Sergt. \\. T. Adams Chapin, Iowa. 

Sergt. Calvin Frisby Dixon, 111. 

Royal .1. Cooper Nora, 111. 

• I. B. Going Akron. Mich. 

•• I'' " COMPA n Y. 

S. A. Guild ' Yankee Hollow. I 

Win. II. Sidner Omaha, Neb. 

Wm. Barr Liberty. Neb. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 27 



<i '* Company. 



Geo. M. Phillips Chester, Neb. 

.lames O'Herrin Chicago. 

Perrin P. Cole Charles City, Iowa. 

Jeremiah Conklin Pierport, IVfich. 

Thos. B. Pocklington So. Evanston, 111. 

John King Chicago. 

George James Marion. Ind. 

" II " Company. 

Dr. F. L. Flanders Kansas City, Mo. 

Oscar Robbing Warren, 111. 

Finley Smith Battle Creek, Iowa. 

N. McWayne Dorset, Vt. 

•• I " Company. 

1 J< >l nit E. Kilpatrick Hanover, 111. 

Thos. L. McNeil West Lincoln, Neb. 

"K " Company 

Sergt. C. C. Cowen St. Louis, Mo. 

.1. L. Taylor Masonville, Iowa. 

A. Mc( lelland Onaga, Kan. 

Harmon S. Dean Ironton, Wis. 

N. B. Claypool Hampton, la. 

The roll call ended, and with the music sounding an 
advance, the comrades, their wives, daughters and guests, 
with General and Airs. Smith at the head of the column, 
proceeded to the large hall up stairs, where army rations 
were served and enjoyed by every one present. 

Returning to the drawing-rooms a dress parade was 
held, hut it was a marching one through the spacious 
halls and parlors, the columns passing in review that the 
comrades and their families might see each other. 

One of the most delightful features of the evening was 
an exhibition of the "facings" and '-manual of arms" 
by the thirty men — Sons of Veterans — of General John C. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTKEIJS. 29 



Smith Camp, No. 138, Sons of Veterans, who, young and 
boyish as they were, averaged an older age than the 
veterans of the Ninety-sixth Regiment did thirty years 
ago. 

The exhibition drill ended, General Smith addressed 
his old soldiers as follows : 

Ladies, Comrades and Friends: 

Mis. Smith, whom yon "boys" affectionately call the "mother of 
the Regiment/' and myself, take great pleasure in welcoming you to 
our home, as much so as your old commander did on all occasions to 
his " headquarters " when in the field. We are pleased to have you and 
your loved ones, and all these good friends, around us. to partake of 
our hospitalities and enjoy the society of each other. 

The good Lord lias blessed us with a fair degree of prosperity, the 
enjoyment of which is increased tenfold by the good we can do with 
it and the happiness it enables us to impart to others. Of all the 
friends we delight to have with us, and they are many, we have no 
occasion like this when the '•hoys" with whom so many years were 
spent, in the military service of our country are about us and are our 
guests. 

Your presence recalls the tedious marches, the weary bivouacs and 
the nightly vigils. As we look upon you we are reminded of the 
incidents of camp, the fording of Stone River and the zip of the 
minnie ball upon the skirmish line. As we look into your bronzed 
laces and note how silvered the hair and heard, Ave realize how 
deeply engraven upon our heart are the memories of your faithful 
services to your country, and how strong is your love for your old offi- 
cers ami comrades. In our brain is treasured the record of your bravery 
upon a score of well-contested fields, your devotion to country and 
your heroic defense of its Hag. On no other battleflags, in no other 
country, and no other age are recorded greater achievements than 
were yours upon the battlefields of your country during its great 
struggle for the preservation of the Union. The glories of the cam- 
paign through Kentucky, the Tullahoma campaign, Chickamauga, 
Lookout Mountain. Mission Eidge, Kesaca, New Hope Church, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy 
Station, Franklin and Nashville, are yours. In the ever-memorable 
Atlanta campaign, you were under fire of musketry or artillery, and 



30 fflNETY-SIXTB REGIMENT, 



mostly both, for 120 days, beginning with Tunnel Hill, May 5. 1804, 
and ending at Jonesboro, September 2, L864. For distances marched. 
rapidity of movement and battles fought, that campaign will challenge 
the attention of all military students for ages yet to come. 

What a march was that from Jonesboro, Georgia, 400 miles back to 
Nashville, Tennessee, much of the way before a superior force of the 
enemy. How vividly it recalls the crossing of the Harpeth after the 
desperate battle of Franklin and the decisive battle of Nashville, 
where Hood's army went down in an irretrievable defeat. But 
what fighters those old Confederates were! Those fellows we called 
" Kebs." and well they might be. for they were Anglo-Saxons like our- 
selves. They were our enemies then, but our brothers now ; and 
much as we may love them individually., we must ever look upon their 
cause as an unholy one. and ever maintain that the cause of the Union 
was the right. It was the cause of freedom, of humanity, and the 
hope of the world. The preservation of this Union is what you fought 
for. what your comrades laid down their lives for, and what we trust 
our children and our children's children will ever be as ready to do as 
were the brave boys in blue in the terrible ordeal through which we 
passed in the great war of the Rebellion. 

How well we recall the time so vividly described by our own genial 
poet, Benjamin F. Taylor — 

" When the rattling roll of the musketeers. 
And the ruffled drums, and the rallying cheers, 
And the rifles burn with a keen desire, 
Like the crackling whips of the hemlock fire, 
And the singing shot and the shrieking shell, 
And the splintered fire of the shattered hell, 
And the great white breaths of the cannon-smoke, 
As the growling guns by batteries spoke, 
In syllables dropped from the thunder of God — 
The throb of the cloud where the drummer-boy trod ! 
And the ragged gaps in the walls of blue 
Where the iron surge rolled heavily through, 
That the Colonel builds up with a breath again, 
As he cleaves the din with his " close up, men! " 
And the groan torn out from the blackened lips, 
And the prayer doled slow with the crimson drips, 
Ami the beamy leek in the dying eye, 
As under the clouds the stars go by! 
Bui his soul marched on, the Captain said, 
For the Boy in Blue can never be dead!" 



ILLINOIS IXI-'ANTKY VOLUNTEERS. 31 

Those scenes are passed, and you who have been spared, surrounded 
by your families, may now enjoy the fruits of your own and your com- 
rades' bravery in this land of peace, prosperity and universal liberty. 
Every one of you deserve to be happy now and hereafter. I would to 
God all our brave comrades had been permitted to see this day, and 
enjoy with us the happiness of this evening. But that could not be. 
Some sacrifice had to he made, and their lives was the price paid for 
the preservation of this glorious Union. In a work entitled " Regi- 
mental Losses in the American Civil War. 1861-5," by Col. Win. F. 
Fox. I'. S. V .. your own regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois, is placed 
among the fifty regiments which sustained the heaviest losses in an 
engagement, and that was at Chickamauga, where, in a command of 
400. the loss was .">i; pel' cent., and of those 'ill were killed, a record 
any soldier may he proud of. and well may he exclaim — 

" Gi\«' me t he death of those 

Who for their country die; 
And "h! be mine like their repose 

When cold and low they lie! 
Their loveliest mother earth 

Enshrines the fallen brave, 
In her sweet lap who gave them birth, 

They find their tranquil grave." 



THE BIVOUAC OF THE I> f : A 0. 

Since our hist gathering on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
battle of Nashville, December 16, 1889, in these same rooms, informa- 
tion has reached me of the death of the following named comrades not 
before reported: 

" The ili-mii- are allmuffled, the bugles are still: 
There's a pause in the valley, a halt on the hill: 
And bearer- of standards swerve back with a thrill 

Where shreves of the dead bar the way; 
For a great field is reaped. Heaven's garners to fill: 

And stern Death holds his harvest to-day." 

Lieut. Addison B. Partridge, "C" Co., Chicago, May 11, 1886. 
Lieut. George Ferguson, "H" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, February 

26, 1890. 

Corporal John C. Simmons, "K" Co.. AVisconsin, July, 1889. 



32 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

Corporal Win. J. Virtue. "A" Co., Jo Daviess county, March 10, 
L890. 

Christian Eiousch, private, "A " Co., Galena, 1890. 

John II. Holden, "A " Co., San Francisco. Cal., July 14, 1891. 

Sergeant John McGill, "G" Co., Novi, Michigan, April 21, 1891. 

Sergeant Martin Efinger, '' C '' Co., Lake county, Illinois, 1892. 

Orrin Howe, private, "JO" Co., Chicago, February 3, 1893. 

Sergeant Charles Ellis, "D" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, May 6, 
L890. 

W. W. Chamberlain, "&" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, March 28, 
1893. 

Joseph A. Roth, private, " D" Co., Osage, Iowa, March 29, 1893. 

Isaac P. Noggle. private, "E" Co., Bristow, Iowa, October 17, 
L889. 

Corporal Wm. Hill, " E " Co., Apple River, Illinois, January, 1891. 

Corporal Abaslom Power, '"E" Co., Apple River, Illinois, Sep- 
tember 27, 1893 (as we go to press). 

Corporal John Stahl, "I?" Co., Apple River, Illinois, June 17, 
L890. 

Charles N. Hammond, private, "F" Co., Jackson, Tennessee, 
October 10, 1891. 

Wm. S. Nash, private, "F"Co., Stockton, Illinois, 1892. 

John Fritz, private, "P" Co., Galena, Illinois, 1893. 

George M. Farnsworth, private, "G" Co., Chicago, May 15, 1893. 

John Harrington, private, "G" Co., Indiana, date unknown. 



There is something more, my comrades, in the present order of 
assembly at our headquarters than the reminder that this is the 
i went \ -ninth anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, much as we 
may desire to recall that memorable event. It is that you should be 
here in force to welcome that brave soldier, that gallant comrade, 
Colonel George Hicks, who led you so often and so successfully in the 
great hat tics of that glorious campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, 
the closing battles of which at Franklin and Nashville, made fruitful 
the ever memorable " March to the Sea." 

The dear Colonel, " Old George Hicks," as (ieii. Kimball delights 
to call him, is here all the wav from the West Indies to greet von and 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 



enjoy the occasion with you. I know that you will give him a royal 
and soldierly welcome, after which I will read you a few letters from 
ymir old Commanders and many of your comrades who are pre- 
vented from being present. 

Col. Hicks was here lifted 
upon the shoulders of the 
" old boys," and stood upon 
a table, while the drawing- 
rooms and library of the 
( reneral's house rang with 
the cheers of the soldiers 
and the guests. When the 
applause had somewhat sub- 
sided. Col. Hicks addressed 
his comrades and friends as 
follows : 



f 


i 


-^ ' ■ ■ : 




i ■H$*m. *" 




i K 





( OLONEL 



fEORGE IIKK 



Comeades we Feiends: 

I am delighted to meet yon here. I am more than delighted to meet 
so many who still survive of the boys of the Ninety-sixth — to meet so 
many who were my comrades in the great war. To me, having my 
home in a far-off land, this is :i rare privilege, and 1 prize it most 
highly. 

1 know not how to express my sense of indebtedness for this great 
pleasure to our honored host and hostess — to our old comrade. Gen. 
Smith, and to Mrs. Smith, wdio adopts all the boys of the Ninety-sixth 
as her sons. Large of heart to conceive, skillful of mind to plan, 
liberal of hand to execute, they have done what they have been in the 
habit of doing ever since '65, when, with open house and heart, they 
welcomed to their home in Galena the boys returning from the war. 
And I do not forget, and 1 congratulate them upon having their very 
efficient stall, their able corps of assistants — a patriotic daughter and 
three patriotic sons — who have been eager to aid in extending a wel- 
come to their father's comrades. 

In the note of invitation for this reunion, General Smith has very 
kindly made special mention of my name, for which I feel highly hon- 
ored. But I lay no special claim to the crest or seal — the chicken 
courant — which adorns and attests the genuineness of the invitation. 



::i ninety-sixth regimekt, 



The boys in the ranks would dispute any such claim if it were made. 
This chicken belongs to that era which includes the earlier experiences 
of the Ninety-sixth, before the ways of the " boys in blue" had become 
widely known, and when chickens of southern lineage still supposed 
there was a possibility of escaping the long reach of the long-armed men 
from the Prairie State. 

This crest reminds me of the French king who, after a good din- 
ner, feeling very comfortable and charitable, wished that every man in 
his kingdom had a chicken in his pot. There were times when it 
seemed to me you were inspired with a similar wish, and, to the 
extent of your powers, were endeavoring to realize it. But there were 
times, which you will be able to recall, when the chicken, either cour- 
ant or potted, was seen only in dreams, as when, for instance, your 
rations for a day consisted of one ear of corn, and when some of you 
made yourselves liable to military discipline for taking a few grains of 
corn from the starving mules. And when your Colonel, the lamented 
Champion, and your Lieutenant-Colonel, our host to-night, were 
brought back wounded to the field hospital tent, they were compelled 
to endure much, to wait long, and then to travel far before they came 
within smelling distance of the savory chicken simmering in the pot. 

That terrible night, when you fought the enemy in the dark, and 
lost, for many weeks, the gallant leadership of your chief officers, found 
me ingloriously lying in the field hospital, where our regimental surgeon 
had ordered me. He said I was ill; that I must go into the hospital 
and have medicine and change of diet. It was a wonderful change 
of diet. Army pancakes and melted sugar for breakfast, field-hospital 
pancakes and liquified sugar for dinner, soldier pancakes and sugar 
treacle for supper. In the early morning I concluded the diet had 
done its appointed work, and went forward to the trenches, where, in 
the excitement of dodging, with you, the rebel shells, my illness quite 
abandoned me. 

The events of that night, leaving me in command of the regiment 
for the greater part of the Atlanta campaign, brought me into closer 
touch with you and bound me with closer ties of attachment to theofti- 
cers and men of the Ninety-sixth. How that long campaign dragged on 
ur.iiil\ . gn ing us no rest, never out of the sound of cannon and burst- 
ing shell, hardly ever out of the reach of the whizzing bullet speeding 
on its evil mission, now wounding comrades on picket, now striking 
l'.-ii;ill\ ,-i sergeant in his tenl behind the breastworks. But that cam- 



ILLINOIS IX FAN TRY VOLUNTEERS. 35 

paign, with all the eventful campaigns of the great war, has long ago 
passed into history. 

Looking back over the long interval, we can see how difficult was 
the achievement of the task the armies of the Union had undertaken. 
Looking about us. we can see how great are the results which must be 
attributed to the successful achievement of that task. We Avere fight- 
ing, and were consciously fighting, the battles of humanity, and 
humanity has shared in the benefits of our victory. Because of our 
victory England is a different and a better England, and France, Ger- 
many, Italy, the nations of Europe, are more liberal, more willing to- 
acknowledge the rights and care for the interests of the great mass of 
the common people, and less exclusively devoted to the interests of 
the favored few. 

Every soldier of the Union who sees the progress the nation has 
made and the position it now is accorded among the great nations of 
the earth must feel a glow of pride when he remembers that it is owing 
to what he and his fellow soldiers braved and endured and achieved;. 
that this nation is not broken into disjointed and uninfluential frag- 
ments. The South itself, which used to bewail its "lost cause." is 
seeing and is beginning to acknowledge that that was a cause the 
loss of which was an infinite gain to the losers. 

When you visit the great World's Fair — the marvel of the century 
— remember that you and your fellow-soldiers, by your victory, made 
this marvel a possibility. Chicago would not be the wonder she is,. 
nor would she have dreamed of that which, to the surprise and admira- 
tion of the world, she has accomplished, had the soldiers of the Union 
faltered and failed. 

[At this point a company of young volunteers entered the parlors, 
and the speaker paused for a few moments, until they had stacked 
arms. After complimenting them upon their soldierly bearing, and 
calling for three cheers for them, which were heartily given, the 
speaker resumed.] 

Much has changed since our soldier days. The fierce animosities 
that characterized the beginning of the war, which were modified by 
long campaigning, and then revived and intensified by the tragic 
death of Lincoln, have now disappeared. We can judge our antago- 
nists more kindly and more justly. I learn there is to be, ere long, a 
fraternization of soldiers of the opposing armies. If I were to be 
here I should quite readily take part in it, for there is enough in com- 



36 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



nioii — enough for which I can respect them — to warrant fraternal 
greeting. 

With them there was no lack of manhood. They were foemen 
worthy of our steel. If we ever doubted it, we had good reason to 
change our opinion before many battles were fought. Without manly 
courage on their part the war would not have reached its unprece- 
dentedly vast proportions. As men, sharing the qualities of true man- 
hood, they stand on a level not low r er than we. 

There is also this in common — a sense of justification in the course 
we severally took. I think at the outset a very large proportion of 
the South did not feel that the initial steps of secession were justified. 
hut they did feel that coercion should be resisted, and that w r as their 
justification for their part in the wars. 

Gladly recognizing their manhood, and readily granting their con- 
scientiousness, I see no reason why you should not stand with them 
when they stand beneath the old flag and pledge loyalty to it. 

But never allow your lips to say — never permit any one to teach 
your children to say — that the "lost cause," and the cause you periled 
your life for, were equally meritorious, and that it was a matter of 
indifference which triumphed. Your antagonists were blinded and 
did not see ; you lived in the light and you did see, and all the nations 
now see. that principles of eternal right were at stake, and that the 
welfare of humanity was involved in the issue. Never ignore that ; 
never belittle that. 

In some compilations of history which I have recently seen, this is 
ignored and is belittled. But I care not. Let their book-compilers 
eliminate what they will, and treat as indifferent that which is vital ; 
the truth will not be covered up. The people must read the life of 
Lincoln; they must read the life of Grant; and those lives cannot 
possibly be told without revealing how holy and right was the cause 
which they, under God, made triumphant. 

My comrades, I am glad to meet you, and to take you again by the 
hand, to recall our soldier experiences, to rejoice with you in all the 
great results of the great war and in all the joys that time has brought 
to you, and to join with you in honoring the memory, dear and tender 
ami precious, of those who shared in our perils but did not live to 
share in our rejoicings. 

And I am glad to meet these young volunteers — bright-eyed, vig- 
orous, manly — -whose soldierly bearing is assurance that those who 
have long laid aside the weapons of war need not fear that there will 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 37 

not be a generation to wield those weapons effectively if ever need 
shall be. 

My comrades of the war, I notice that time is leaving some traces 
of his presence upon you externally — upon your outer fortifications; 
hut do not let him act inside the fort, and touch with benumbing 
hand your hope and your faith. Do not entertain the thought that 
the younger men will he less loyal, less faithful, less worthy of their 
heritage as citizens than yourselves. One of the great pleasures of 
my visit to my old home. Illinois, is the meeting with those who were 
the hoys that cheered us as we went forth soldier volunteers for the 
war. I meet these hoys now, with the reins of state in their hands, 
driving confidently and safely ; I find them on the bench, at the bar, 
wielding the might v powers of the press, in all positions of honor and 
trust and power, and honored in all and by all : and my faith in the 
t'nt lire of this great nation is deepened and strengthened. As in the 
past, so in the future, faithful and worthy sires will be succeeded by 
faithful and worthy sons. 

1 am glad to greet here not only my comrades but also their wives, 
their sons, their daughters, their friends, and many personal friends, 
all making this reunion, at this memorable time, in this memorable 
city, all the more memorable to me. How glad I should be to meet 
you here again! 

Or. rather, that you should meet me in my island home. When 
you have tilled yourselves full of the wonders of the wonderful fair; 
when you have strained your eyes in measuring the heights of modern 
Chicago buildings, and have become wearied with the rush and whirl 
of this great metropolis, and would be glad to rest in some quiet, 
pleasant, beautiful nook. why. come to Jamaica. When you find your 
summers too hot. or your winters too cold, come and enjoy the ever- 
lasting .June and October climate of Jamaica. I hope you may not he 
driven thither by ill health ; hut if so, 1 hope you will find, as I have 
done, that a measure of health and strength can lie enjoyed there not 
possihle here. In that case, come and share my exile with me. For 
I feel at times very strongly that I am an exile, and have an nnde- 
scribable longing to take part again in the inspiring activities and 
strivings of American life. 

You will receive a hearty welcome if you come to Jamaica, and 
you will be delighted with it, as our host and hostess and their daugh- 
ter have been. It is a lovely little bit of the world, not so very far 
awav — easilv accessible— in daily touch with all the world, dominated 



38 N I NKTY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

iby English and American civilization, and beginning to feel the 
impulse of American enterprise. Conic and you will soon learn to 
saj with me, as our friends who so nobly entertain us here to-night, 
have learned to say : 

Isle of Jamaica. 

I love Jamaica! 

After peace had been declared, for cheer after cheer on 
the part of the " boys " greeted % ' < >ld < leorge Hicks," the 
dear Colonel and comrade, our first Brigade Commander, 
General Smith I). Atkins, was called for and introduced, 
when he, in his old-time and affectionate manner, ad- 
dressed them : 

Comrades : 

I desire to join with my old friend. Col. George Hicks, in return- 
ing thanks to General Smith, and his Adjutant General, Mrs. Smith, 
for an opportunity to meet so many of my old comrades of the days of 
the war. I was especially impressed with the patriotic sentiments 
expressed by Colonel Hicks, and remembering that he is now a 
"bloody Englishman, " it is all the more gratifying, demonstrating 
that while he has renounced his citizenship in America, and become a 
citizen of England, his heart goes back with pride to the patriotic 
days of the great war for the Union, in which he so gallantly served, 
and he is a better citizen of England to-day for having been so 
patriotic a citizen of the United States then. I heard him make just 
that same kind of a patriotic speech in the camp of the Ninety-sixth 
Illinois Volunteers, near Wartrace, Tennessee, on the Fourth of duly, 
1863. There are some of the Ninety-sixth boys here who Avill remem- 
ber that Fourth of July celebration. These reunions, where we old 
soldiers get together, call up so many memories of camp and cam- 
paign, almost forgotten until we are talking over the days of the war. 
Politics nor religion interferes in these soldiers gatherings. We did 
not know the politics of our comrades in the army. While we were 
camped together at Franklin, Tennessee, in the spring of 1863, the 
Eighty-fourth Indiana regimeui was serving in the same brigade 
with the Ninety-second and Ninety-sixth Illinois regiments, and a 
Captain Miller, of thai regiment, for some trilling petition he had 
signed, contrary to discipline and good order, was arrested for 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 39 



mutiny. He was soon released from arrest, and rose to the com- 
mand of his regiment, and I had almost forgotten the occurrence 
until lie came into my office in Fret-port in 1885, and asked me if I 
remembered him. I told him I did not, but he said I ought to. for 
I was going to hang him once— and when he told me he was the Cap- 
tain Miller of the Eighty-fourth Indiana that was brigaded with us at 
Franklin, Tennessee. I did remember him. and I asked him what he 
was doing j n Freeport, and he told me he was a special agent of the 
Pension Bureau. " What/' said I. " you appointed by Grover Cleve- 
land ? *" " Ye-,'* he said. " And, of course, a Democrat?" I inquired. 
" Yes.'" he replied. "And a Democrat in the war, too?" And he 
answered "Of course, always a Democrat." And I told him that I 
wished 1 had known that during the war so I could have hanged him 
while 1 had a chance — but 1 did not know what his politics were 
in the army, and I did not care what they were either, and in these 
gal berings of old soldiers we lay our politics aside, and live over again 
in memory the days when we were soldiers together. I almost feel 
thai I am a member of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, so intimate were 
our relations during the early part of the war, and so warmly have I 
been welcomed at the reunions of the Ninety-sixth since the war. 
Whenever you are going to have a reunion, let me know, and I will 
be with you, and again thanking General and Mrs. Smith for the 
pleasure of this evening, I bid you good-night. 

The following soldierly poem, written by a friend of 
Genera] Smith, was recited in an admirable manner by 
Mrs. McCall, wife of Comrade Harry McCall, Fifteenth 

Illinois Infantry : 

'•THAT LITTLE BRONZE BUTTON."' 

" Many, indeed, are the treasures of earth, 

And we cling, oh how fondly we cling to them : 
Not for their beauty or intrinsic worth, 

But because of the pleasures we bring through them 
Ti > the heart bowed down with toil and strife 
- Whose ceaseless cares are our lot in life. 
Though all else may chill us 
These treasures they thrill us, 
They fire and fill us 
With sweet recollections of memorable days. 



40 N I X ETY-Sl XTir REGIM E N'T, 



Dispelling our sorrows 
And anxious to-morrows 
To linger the while on those venerable days. 

But of all the treasures that mortals have known, 

The treasure immortal on which we dote, 
Is the little bronze button so modestly shown 

On the left lappel of the veteran's coat. 
Others may revel in jewels of gold 

And diamonds that sparkle like stars on high; 
Let them wear them, for they may be bought and sold, 
But the little bronze button they never can buy, 
'Tis the veteran's own shield, 
With his life-blood sealed, 
Emblazoned with glory he won on the field. 

What mem'ries that little bronze button revives 

Of marches and battles and prisons and blood, 
Of comrades who nobly surrendered their lives 

As they charged to the front where the enemy stood. 
Never was graven a souvenir more rare 
Than the little bronze button the veterans wear. 

' Tis the emblem of bravery 

Which crushed human slavery — 
Which tells of the men who went down to the grave 

To make us in truth 

What they sang in their youth, 
" The land of the free and the home of the brave." 

How sweet yet how sad, oh how precious they are, 

Those mem'ries no soldier can ever forget: 
How vivid they bring back the days of the war, 
The glories they shared and the dangers they met 
On picket at night 
In the field or the fight, 
For love of their country, their homes and the right. 
Oh, never was graven a token so rare 
As the little bronze button the veterans wear. 

This little bronze button, 'tis little 'tis true: 

It hasn't a value like bank-stocks or farms; 
It isn't a beauty on casual view; 

For the crowd it possesses no delicate charms; 
But the veteran's eye will sparkle and flash 

As it flashed 'mid the roar of the cannon's loud rattle 
When he sees that l>ronze button, for again the loud crash 

Is recalled as he heard it in the fury of battle; 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 41 



For there's naught can inspire 
With sentiments higher 
Than the guerdon they won in the battle's fierce fire. 

Wear it, Brave Soldier, aye, long may you wear it. 

And long may your comrades who fought with you share it; 

And at last when you fall as your comrades have fallen 

A legacy grander than silver or gold 
Will remain for your children as they place the sad pall on 
The venerable form once erect and so bold — 

Now lifeless and cold. 
And the little bronze button you now so much cherish 
Will linger on ever though your body may perish; 

And each generation 

Of our great nation, 

(The nation you saved 

By the dangers you braved,) 
As they follow each other to ages remote, 

Will cherish the more 
The little bronze button you modesty wore 
On the left lappel of your vest or coat. " 

This tender and touching poem was written by Col. 
Matthew II. Peters, of Watseka, Illinois, under the nom 
de plume of " Lieut. Arthur Van Lisle, 74th O. V. I." and 
sent to General Smith during his severe illness eighteen 
months since, and we believe has never before appeared 
in the public press. We gladly give it to our comrades, 
who so earnestly appreciated its patriotic and soldierly 
sentiments, as evinced in their repeated applause during 
its recitation. 

The Rev. William Bailies, of Jamaica. West Indies, was 
introduced and made a brief but touching address, telling 
the comrades of the good work Col. Hicks was doing for 
the cause of education in his island home, and how well 
lie was loved by the people of that island. 

James W. Scott, editor of the Chicago Herald, a very 
dear and old friend of Col. Hicks, as he was of the entire 
regiment during the war, was here lifted upon a table 
and made a talk to the boys. Mr. Scott said that an 



4-.' NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

editor should never be surprised at anything, but that he 
was surprised he should be called upon to address a body 
of old veterans such as he saw about him. That he would 
much rather talk to them through the columns of his 
newspaper, because in his office he was just as much at 
h< uiie as the boys of the old Ninety-sixth used to be in their 
rifle pits. Said he was much pleased, indeed, to have an op- 
portunity to join with the old soldiers in doing honor to 
( !ol. Hicks, and was much indebted to General and Mrs. 
Smith for the opportunity to do so. 

I remember, he continued, with much greater accuracy as to 
detail than would be supposed by those present, the enlistment of that 
portion of the Ninety-sixth Regiment from Jo Daviess county. At the 
time the regiment was organized Col. Hicks was engaged in newspaper 
work at Galena in an establishment of which my father was one of the 
owners, and through my personal relations with the Colonel at that 
time I had a great desire to enlist myself; but being several years 
under the age of those permitted by the government to enlist it was 
impossible for me to join. I did, however, go with the Jo Daviess 
companies to Eockford. When the companies arrived at the station 
in Eockford, the drummers who had enlisted were not familiar with 
the beats, and as I had learned several of the beats I was put at the 
head of one of the companies and marched with it to Camp Fuller. 
I have always felt as a boy, but have since outgrown that feeling, that 
the regiment was indebted to me for an amount exceeding $13, which 
I now sot' was due to my own neglect in failing to collect it. 

When the knapsacks and blankets were given out I purchased some 
stencils and marked those articles for some of the regiments at 5 cents 
an article. I was paid for the work in scrip, which was then accepted 
as currency, and the amount was about $13. In my desire to save it 
I kepi i he scrip so long that when 1 wished to change it I found that 
the linn which had issued it had gone out of business and had left no 
assets for sucli claims as mine, and consequently I was out of the 
money, which was a much larger amount to me then than it is now. 
I desire to express my appreciation of the kindness and generosity of 
(ien. Smith ami wife in throwing open their house, at frequent inter- 
vals Tor such receptions as this, and I feel sure that I voice the feel- 



ILLINOIS IXIANTKV VOLUNTEERS. 43 

ing of every one present when I say that this occasion, this most de- 
lightful reunion, will never be forgotten by the soldiers and their 
families. I am pleased to do honor to Col, Eicks on this occasion, 
and proud to have been a very close friend of his for almost as many 
years as 1 can remember. 1 appreciate very highly the honor con- 
ferred upon me by the invitation of Gen. and Mrs. Smith to be present 
on this occasion. 

Judge ( !. C. Kohlsaat was next introduced and made a 
humorous speech, telling the "boys" from Galena how 
he went to school with them, used to play marbles, and 
slide down cellar doors with them, a summer amusement 
as substitute for coasting down the hills in the winter. 

The following touching poem, full of sentiment and 
truth, was read by the author, Mrs. Alice J. Whitney, 
wife of Comrade J. D. C. Whitney, Sturgis Rifles, and 
enthusiastically applauded : 

MISSION RIDGE. 

(Dedicated to General John Corson Smith, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers.) 

h was jusi before the last fierce charge, as the Federal line advanced, 
And the sunbeams, o'er the mountain top, on sword and bayonet glanced, 
Two men. of proud commanding mien, rode apart from the dread army. 
And conversed, in low and earnest tones, of loved ours far away : 
Of their happy old New England home, where their parents still abode, 
And cherished friends of childhood slept beneath the churchyard sod. 

" Father will pray at noon and eve, and in the silent night. 

That God may watch and keep US Loth, in the hottest of the fight." 

■• Mother will wait with an aching heart, for news that all is well, 

Or that one of n-. brother, for Freedom's sake and our Country's honor fell." 

lie paused — for his brother's thoughtful brow told of volumes he could not speak, 

And, as he strove with his mighty grief, the tears coursed down his cheek. 

For not, in this hour, o'er his childhood's home, did his heart most fondly yearn, 
But his wife and child, who might wait in vain, the husband and father's return. 
But he dashed them aside, as with head still bowed, he took his brother's hand, 
And said, " We must think of but duty now, and the fame of our native land." 
"If I give my life for her dearest rights, my latest wish shall be, 
That above my lifeless form may float the banner of the free !" 

" We both may fall ere the day is done, brother, a last good bye,— 
We bow to God's will in our country's cause, and are not afraid to die." 



44 XI NKTV-SIXTir REGIMENT, 

Slowly they turned, with this sad farewell, and rode to the field again, 
When volley on volley, from right to left, now poured the leaden rain. 
Up the side of Lookout, above the clouds, brave Hooker bore our flag, 
Tramping from every battlement, Treason's defeated rag. 

At night the dreadful carnage ceased ; — were they among the slain 
Who parted at morning's rosy light on the far distant plain ? 
The younger lay at the mountain's foot, — his face was pallid and cold, 
And the pulseless heart and rigid limbs Death's fearful message told. 
The older brother his comrades watched, in the thickest of the fray — 
They saw him fall, but the fire of the foe covered the spot where he lay. 

But scarce was his resting place named, when up from the ground sprang a dusky 

form 
And sped to his side with wild, eager haste, regardless of darkness and storm, 
Heeding not rebel shot and shell, he raised the prostrate man, 
And bore him tenderly, in his arms, back to the Federal van. 
The flowing blood was quickly staunched, the burning lips were laved ; 
The ugly, gaping wounds were closed : the soldier's life was saved. 

And who was he who danger faced, with courage cool and brave ? 

One whom the avarice of man had branded as a slave. 

His skin was black, but his faithful heart was wrung at his country's need, 

And he cared not for danger, for toil or death, in the strength of a noble deed. 

God's strong hand has broken every yoke. He has heard the bondman's plea, 

And our dear old flag, of stars and stripes, is the Banner of the Free. 

This started the "boys," their "good wives" and the 
guests to singing old army songs. "Rally round the flag, 
boys," " Brave boys are they," " My old Kentucky home," 
and " Marching through Georgia," ending with Comrade 
Charles G. Halpine's (Miles O'Riley's) famous and popu- 
lar song in army circles : 

THE OLD CANTEEN. 

There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours, 

Letters of friendship and ties of flowers, 
And true lovers' knots, I ween ; 

The girl and the boy are bound by a kiss, 
But: there's never a bond, old friend, like this — 

We have drunk from the same canteen ! 

it was sometimes water and sometimes milk, 

And sometimes apple-jack fine as silk ; 
But whatever the tipple has been, 

We shared it together in bane and Miss 




MRS. GEN. JOHN C. SMITH. 
"mother of THE REGIMENT." 



46 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

And I warm to you, friend, when I think of this — 
We have drunk from the same canteen ! 

The rich and the great sit down to dine, 

And they quaff to each other in sparkling wine 

From glasses of crystal and green ; 
But I guess in their golden potations they miss 

The warmth of regard to be found in this — 
We have drunk from the same canteen ! 

We have shared our blankets and tents together, 
And have marched and fought in all kinds of weather, 

And hungry and full we have been ; 
Had days of battle and days of rest, 

But this memory I cling to and love the best — 
We have drunk from the same canteen ! 

For when wounded I lay on the outer slope, 

When my blood flowing fast, and but little hope 

Upon which my faint spirit could lean ; 

Oh, then, I remember, you crawled to my side 

And bleeding so fast it seemed both must have died, 
We drank from the same canteen ! 

When the "boys" had settled down and all were 
engaged in partaking of the bountiful refreshments 
served by "Johnson" letters from former commanders, 
old comrades and guests were rea< I : 

GENERAL BENJAMIN HARRISON, EX-PRESIDENT U. S. A. 

074 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, Ind., June 20, 1893. 
General J. C. Smith : 

My Dear Sir, — I have your kind letter of the 20th, and regret to 
say that my arrangements have been made to spend the months of 
July and August at my cottage at Cape May Point, and that I will 
not be able to be in Chicago again before September. I would have 
been glad to meet you and your comrades if it had been possible. 



GENERAL WALTER Q. GRESHAM, SECRETARY OF STATE IT. S. A. 

Department of State, Washington, July 5. 18'.).'}. 
Gen. J. C. Smith : 

My Dear Sir, — 1 have just returned from an absence of ten days, 
and find your letter of the 20th ultimo, inviting me to be present at 
a reception to be given by yourself and Mrs. Smith to your old regi- 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 47 

merit at Chicago, on July 20th. I regret that my official duties will 
oblige me to be here at that time. 

Hoping that all presenl will enjoy the patriotic occasion, and with 
thanks for your courtesy. 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM S. ROSECRANS, U. S. ARMY. 

GEn. John C. Smith: 

Dear Sir. — My father desires me to express for him his apprecia- 
tion of your cordial invitation to be present on July 20th, and his 
regret that the letter did not come in time for him to at least send an 
acknowledgment before this. His health is much improved, but he 
cannot undertake anything out of his routine prescribed by his 
physicians. 

Headquarters Department of the East, 
Governor's Island. New York. July 3, 1893. 
<i en. John ('. Smith : 

Dear General, — It will be impossible for me to get to Chicago in 
season to be with you and your wife at the reunion. Be pleased to 
express my cordial remembrance of the services your men and others 
of our command so loyally and generously rendered at the time when 
our comradeship began. It is a very generous and a pleasant thing for 
you and your good wife to do to thus draw together and make happy 
these old friends. 

Sincerely yours. 

0. 0. Howard, 

Maj.-Gen. U. S. Arm//. 

Headquarters Department of the Missouri, 

Chicago, III., July 21, 1893. 
General John C. Smith. i»5 Sip.lev St.. Cud ago, III.: 

Dear General, — Owing to my absence from Chicago your kind 
letter of duly ISth did not reach me until last night, too late to accept 
the invitation or to extend the same to officers of my staff. 

Thanking you for your courtesy, and hoping that the occasion was 
a most enjoyable one. 

Yours truly. 

Nelson A. Miles, 

Major- General U. S. Army. 



48 x i x i:n -.sixth regiment, 

MAJOR-GENERAL ABSALOM BALED, 1". S. ARMY, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

(i en. J. C. Smith : 

My Dear General, — My son, Capt. Wm. Baird, is with his family 
in Chicago, on duty at the great Exposition, and until yesterday I had 
expected to spend the month of July with him. Now I find I cannot 
leave here until later in the season. I thank you for your kind invita- 
tion, as it would have been a real happiness to have met once more the 
Old Boys of the Ninety-sixth at their gathering under your hospitable 
roof on July 20th. I find it impossible now, but please assure all of 
my ever-increasing affectionate regard for all who marched along with 
you and me in the days of our country's peril. 



MAJOR-GENERAL DAVID S. STANLEY, U. S. ARMY. 

Fisher's Island, N. Y., July 3, 1893. 
Dear General : 

The very hearty invitation from yourself and Mrs. Smith to attend 
the reunion of your gallant regiment, at your home, found me here by 
the seaside. I would enjoy the occasion very much, and doubt not but 
the chicken will be caught, but alas, my retired pay has to be con- 
sidered, and my finances are in sympathy with the disordered currency 
of the day, I fear I cannot come. I hope, however, to visit Chicago in 
September, and will then surely hunt you up and renew old fellowship. 
Give my love to the boys, whom I remember so well and so favorably, 
and my kindest regards to your wife. 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHAN KIMBALL, U. S. VOLUNTEERS. 

O-gden, Utah. July 12, 1893. 
My Dear (Iexeral Smith: 

Acknowledging yours of June 25th, I thank you and your dear 
wile for the kind invitation you extend me to attend the reception 
you intend giving to the dear old boys of the Ninety-sixth who still 
survive. God bless them ! 

I regret very much that I cannot be with you to enjoy the hospital- 
ity and welcome to your "home and hearts.'' My health is such that 
I cannot undertake the journey. 1 have been confined to my room 
and bed for months, and am now barely able to be up to write you. I 
am now on the last quarter of my 71 years, am very feeble physically, 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 49 

but my heart is young as ever when I think of the clear old comrades 
who fought, suffered and endured with me through the campaigns and 
battles, in defense of our Union, and upheld the dear old flag. Among 
the gallant regiments that I had the honor to command, none were 
more brave, daring, and in every way good soldiers, than the officers 
and men of the Ninety-sixth Illinois. God bless them, every one who 
are yet awaiting the final muster-out and transfer to join those who 
have gone before us, and now encamped on that glorious bivouac 
beyond the dark river. Say to every one of the ''old boys" that my 
heart is full of love for each and all. Oh ! how I would rejoice if it 
could be so that I could take each one of the brave old comrades by 
the hand and say to them: "(rod hless you — I love you;" and the 
first that 1 would salute would be the dear " mother of the regiment.'* 
Kiss her for me. my dear hoy. and love her for me — I know that you 
love her for yourself. Say to Old George Hicks that I never forget 
him, and ever remember his gallant acts on the 16th December, '64, 
at Nashville. 

T wish, dear comrade, that I could write such a letter as my heart 
dictates, but words fail me. You know that I prize your friendship, 
and love you as an old comrade should. Again, God hless you and 
your precious wile. 



MAJOR GENERAL R. .1. OGLESBY, V. S. VOLUNTEERS, EX-GOVERNOR 

OF ILLINOIS, WITH WHOM (JEN. SMITH SERVED AS 

I I EUTENANT-GOVERNO R. 

(i eneral John ('. Smith : 

If one or either of us shall he in Chicago, we will go to your ranch 
and tent with you one night anyhow — I 'each Tree or Peach Brandy 
Station, duly 20th, 1893. I would, indeed, gladly meet old comrades 
under your hospitable roof at any time. Bless the living, and then 
bless the memory of the noble old braves who are gone. No such 
time as those limes shall ever be seen or heard or felt on this earth 



captain william baird, u. s. army, world's columbian lx posi- 
tion, jackson lark, chicago, ill. 

Di.ai; General : 

Please pardon my not replying to your kind invitation sooner. I 
fully expected to be able to go on the 20th and looked forward to the 



50 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

in -ciision with great pleasure, but I was on duty here unexpectedly that 
evening. If you have time when you next come to the Fair, stop in 
at the Service Building. I have an office there adjoining Col. Rice. I 
am expecting my father out after a while. 



GEN. JOHN C. BLACK, M. C. 

Chicago, June 30, 1893. 
Gen. J. C. Smtth : 

My Dear General and Mrs. Smith, — My wife and I join in thanking 
you for your continued remembrances, and nothing would afford us 
greater pleasure than to be with you on the 20th of July ; but at that 
date business matters will call me East, where I go by appointment on 
the 18th. 

Present my kind regards to all who may remember me among those- 
who will be present, and believe me. 



MRS. GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN, DEER PARK, MD. 

June 28, 1893. 
My Dear Gen'l and Mrs. Smith : 

I am extremely sorry that it will not be possible for me to accept 
your kind invitation for July 20th. I have been very sick this spring 
and am here recuperating, and shall not be in Chicago until quite late. 
Wishing you a joyous occasion, and with regards to the survivors of the 
old Ninety-sixth and yourselves, I am. 



ibrahim hakky bey, imperial ottoman commissioner general, 
columbian exposition grounds. 

My Dear General: 

I thank you very much for your kind invitation for this evening. 
I would he really happy to be in the society of your veterans, those 
who have fought for the sake of freedom and liberty. I am sorry that 
the extreme fatigue which I am actually feeling compels me to go 
immediately to some country place in the neighborhood and will 
deprive me this time of your charming society. I remain, my dear 
General, Very respectfully yours, 

I. IIakky. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 51 

TELEGRAM — All MFD FAHRI BEY, IMPERIAL OTTOMAN COMMISSIONER; 

VIENNA CAFE, MIDWAY PLAISANCE. 

General J. ('. Smith : 

Have to regret at the last minute, mi account of sickness. 



JOHN WORTHINGTON, CONSUL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

AT MALTA. 

My Dear General : 

Will this do for a sentiment for your reunion ? I send it in haste, 
and I fear that what I wanted to convey is not made very clear — but 
such as it is, 1 lay it at your feet: 

Soldier and hero! line's my thanks 

To you, one of th' immortal band 
That fought in stern and thoughtful ranks 
To save the union of our land — 

They builded Letter than they knew 
Who slavery wiped from Freedom's view. 



GENERAL WM. P. IN NFS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 

<■ in ekal .1. C. Smith : 

Your kind invitation to General [nnes to attend a reception at your 
home, on t he evening of July 20th, is at hand. I feel assured that 
nothing would give the General more pleasure than to be with you at 
that time, bui on account of illness he will be compelled to forego the 
pleasure. 

comrade james n. brown, st. louis, mo. 

General and Mrs. Smith and Comrades of the Ninety-sixth 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry: 

Greefii/f/. — In assembling yourselves together in reunion you honor 
your old Commander and his good wife, and in doing so you honor 
yourselves, and make all hearts glad. 

As a member of the Tenth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry. T 
greet you as comrades. 

As Secretary of our Regimental Association and as Past President 
of our Brigade Association (Morgan's Brigade. Davis' Division of the 
Fourteenth Corps) I extend their fraternal and cordial congratulations 



52 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

on this splendid meeting around the "Mess Table" of your worthy 
Commander. 

We are growing old and gray, and our step is not so firm and elastic 
as ii was in 1801-1805, but our hearts are as young, and our love for 
each other and the flag is as strong as ever. Your clasp of each other's 
hand is none the less firm because of advancing years. Statistics give 
the average age of the enlisted men at nineteen years. The officers cer- 
tainly did not average over thirty, lliinh of it! Would we trust such 
a momentous undertaking to our boys ? Yes, and the trust would not 
be betrayed, for we have taught and still are teaching them the love 
of country, so that we can depend on them for anything. God 
grant that they may never be called on to defend our common 
country from foes of any kind. Educate them to love "Old Glory'' 
as we do ; to place it on every hill and mountain top, and over every 
schoolhouse throughout the land. 

This a grand country, stretching over avast domain, reaching from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Lakes to the Gulf, but in all 
this wide land there is room for only one flag — the Grand and Glorious 
Stars and Stripes. 

I trust that in your camp fire to-night your old commander will 
sound the "Assembly" calling you around the mess table, and taking 
a glass of clear pure water, hold it aloft and propose as his first toast, 
"The American Flag." Let your response of "God bless it" ring 
out as strong and clear as your shouts of victory did on the hills of 
Georgia, showing to the world that we cannot have more than one Mag 
in this country. 

Comrades, remember the vacant camp-stools around your board. 
The number of those who have answered the last roll-call is greater 
than remain in the ranks on this side of the "line." Drop a tear in 
memory of their many virtues as soldiers and comrades ; forget their 
faults, comfort the widow and orphan and assist the needy and 
afflicted ; let none of them go to the " Poor House " but in every way 
aid them to make an honorable living. 

We are rapidly approaching the "river." The old commanders, 
Ulysses S. Grant, "Uncle Billy," " Little Phil." " Pap Thomas." 
and many others of the great captains have crossed over. Sherman's 
two lieutenants. Howard and Slocum, and A.J. Smith, are the most 
prominent commanders living. 

When taps arc sounded for us, may we be ready, and receive the 
commendation of the Great Commander, saying, "Well done, good 
and faithful soldier," is the prayer of your comrade. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 53 

MAJOR R. W. MC CLAUGHRY, CHIEF OF POLICE, CHICAGO. 

Gen. John C. Smith : 

Regrets at unavoidable absence, greetings to old Commander and 
boys of gallant Ninety-sixth. May you live long and prosper. 



MAJOR C. E. BUY FN, A I. DINE SQUARE, CHICAGO. 

Dear Comrade, — I regret that absence from the city prevented an 
earlier reply to your courteous invitation to accept the hospitality of 
"a soldier at his tent.'* 65 Sibley street, on the evening of Thursday, 
July 20th, and now that the commissary has doubtless made her 
requisition for rations, it is too late to include myself and " best girl," 
hence we shall be deprived of the pleasure <>f participating in meeting 
the comrades you love so well, and especially the rations which are to 
be provided by the commissary. 

.My •• best girl '" joins in kindest regards to you and yours. 



dr. \\. a. steven's, chicago. 

Gen. .1. ('. Smith, and "Mother of the Regiment": 

Before me 1 behold a chick which seems to be making a "two forty" 
stride to escape from some foraging expedition of the Ninety-sixth to 
lill its commissary, requisition or no requisition ; he is in good shape, 
representing from his head to his tail the embryonic home of his 
germinal existence. The coming events of the coming week seem to 
point that my " best girl " and 1 will have to send our regrets that we 
cannot partake of the "soldier's hospitalities" of the Commander 
and his good wife on the 20th inst. While at each roll-call the 
missing did not respond to their names — they never should be for- 
gotten by generations vet to come. 



COMRADE JOHN M. CAMPBELL, l". S. ARMY, CHICAGO. 

Gen. and Mrs. .1. C. Smith : 

Bear Brother and /,'< spech d Madame, — 1 find that it will be impossi- 
ble for me to be present at the reunion to-morrow evening in honor 
of Col. George Hicks, and deeply regret that I will have to lose this 
opportunity of forming the acquaintance of those who stood "shoulder 



54 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

to shoulder" with (ien. Smith at a time "that tried men's souls/' and 
this regret is intensified when I recall the fact that I shall also he 
deprived of enjoying your generous hospitality on this occasion. 



JOHN A. BUSH, PEORIA. 

Gen. J no. 0. Smith : 

Your very kind greeting and invitation to attend a reception in 
honor of Col. George Hicks and the battle of Peach Tree Creek I 
herewith acknowledge the reception of, and consider the honor of 
receiving an invitation from one whom I always considered one of my 
truest friends an honor of no little value. It causes the spring of my 
heart to open afresh, and let the happy thoughts flow from it and to 
think that this world is not without its golden lights. However much 
I should like to meet with you and your friend Col. Hicks, and those 
who so bravely followed your command, my health will not allow me 
that pleasure. 



comrade herst c. gann, warren, ill. 

Dear General and Mrs. "Mother of the Regiment": 

If I can be with you July 20, '93, at the anniversary, I shall only 
be too happy. 

Many thanks for your kind invitation. 

It is entirely uncertain as to my presence. 

I remember Col. Hicks very well, would be glad to see him. 

Please convey to him my regards if I fail to be there. 

From what I hear, I judge Co.'s "H" and "K" will be well 
represented at roll-call at 65 Sibley street the evening of July 20. 



JOHN E. BELL AND WIFE, CINCINNATI. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Just home from Virginia Hot Springs, and And your generous 
invite to be present July 20th, for which accept thanks with the 
assurance that it would to me be a source of pleasure to accept, etc., etc. ; 
however, it must be regretfully declined — -afflicted with rheumatism, 
etc., etc. With hopes for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of the old 
soldiers, and that you may live to perpetuate your annual reunions, at 
which time they will recount their trials and pleasures and their final 
triumphs for the right, is the wish of yours in friendship. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 55 

COMRADE GUS WILLIAMS. DRUMMER BOY, 84TH INDIANA, NEW 

YORK. 

My Dear General: 

Arrived home yesterday and found your letter awaiting me. The 
fault with the mails? Yes and no. The fault was with the males. 
Will tell you all about it when I see you. I am sorry I was not at the 
reunion, bat let me know next year, and if I am in the land of the 
living 1 will he there, even if I have to walk. 



EON. .TOSKI'II A. LOCKE, PORTLAND, MAINE. 

Mi Dear General and Mrs. Smith : 

Your courteous invitation to attend the reunion of the Second 
Brigade, to be holden at your hospitable home on the evening of July 
20th, was received. 

Mrs. Locke and 1 both wish we could have accepted the invitation, 
and met you and the honored members of your brigade. We only 
hope that the "halo of glory" resting upon your heads, and the 
noble sons of Illinois who participated in the glorious struggle to save 
this country a nation, may ever grow broader while life lasts, and then 
may you all receive a crown of rejoicing from the great •' 1 Am." I 
onl\ wish 1 was eligible as a member of the Grand Army, but 1 honor 
with sincere veneration all who entered into the conflict for the pre- 
servation of our country. 

Mrs. Smith may well feel proud of the unique position she holds, 
sharing with you the hardships of the tented held. She was often- 
times weighed down with anxiety when you and those engaged in 
actual conflict were buoyed up by the excitement of the moment. 
Iler's indeed was the harder position, and the honor should rest upon 
her equally with those who bore our flag to victory. 



mrs. <;en. thomas e. champion, 3515 indiana ave., chicago. 

Dear General and Mrs. Smith: 

Am very sorry I cannot accept your invitation for the 20th to meet 
members of my husband's old command. It would afford me much 
pleasure. I have been under the doctor's care for about three months, 
and he prohibits me from walking or being on my feet much for some 
time to come. My eldest son, Charles, is very desirous of meeting old 
friends of his father, and will try and be with you. 

Thanking you for the courtesy, I am very truly. 



56 NINETY-SIXTH KEGIMEN-T, 

MRS. COL. ISAAC L. CLARKE, GRAFTON, VERMONT. 

Gen. and .Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

I am in receipt of your kind invitation to the reception and 
reunion of the veterans of the dear old Ninety-sixth Regiment. It 
would give me great pleasure to be with you and to greet the surviv- 
ing comrades, but I cannot well leave home before September, when I 
may possibly be in Chicago. I would send a cordial remembrance to 
them all, especially to Colonel Hicks, Mrs. Smith and yourself. I 
would be glad to have my son take his father's old friends by the 
hand, and I shall advise him of the reception. He is now in his own 
office in Chicago, E. L. Clarke, 3-1, 119 Dearborn street. 



major e. a. blodcett, chicago. 

My Dear General and Mrs. Smith : 

I am in receipt of your kind invitation for July 20th, and make 
haste to accept. "Me and my girl will be there." It occured to me 
that if I reported promptly I might catch the rooster before Dick 
Thain got in the race. 



LIEUT. GEORGE W. MOORE, QUARTERMASTER, ESSEX, IOWA. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Your kind invitation to be present at another reunion of the 
Ninety-sixth will have to be unwillingly declined, as we are farmers, 
and will be in the midst of harvest, but we will be with you in mind 
if not in body. To say that we hope you will have a good time is 
putting it mildly. I know you will, and only regret that I cannot be 
with you in person, for I know there will be but few more like occa- 
sions, as one by one we are answering the last roll-call. 

My wife joins me in sending kind regards to you and to the old 
comrades and their wives present, and that you may have a rousing 
good time is the sincere wish of one of the boys who would love to be 
with vou. 



SURGEON MOSES EVANS, SOUTH EVANSTON. 

Dear (J eneral Smith : 

Yours received. It would give me much pleasure to visit you and 
the mother of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, and will endeavor to put me 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 57 

down as one who will be present at the reunion of the old Ninety- 
sixth, duly 20th, '03, without fail. 

Give my best respects to Comrade Colonel Hicks, and tell him it 
will make me ten years younger to see him once more. 



DR. D. A. SHEFFIELD, APPLE RIVER. 

(i en. J, ('. Smith : 

Dear Governor, — Replying to your kind invitation to meet the old 
comrades and especially Col. Hicks, of Jamaica, at your home, July 20, 
I am compelled to say that it will be impossible for me to be present. 
1 have delayed writing until now in the hope that circumstances would 
shape themselves so I could be present, but the death of my wife has 
made it necessary for me to be lather and mother to my half-orphaned 
children, and I find it impossible for me to do many things my heart 
prompts me to do. 

I hope those who shall assemble on that occasion will enjoy a 
renewal of comradeship and be mutually benefited. Please bear to 
all of them the assurance of a comrade's regard. and to Mrs. Smith my 
profonndesl esteem and respect. 



DR. FRED. VV. BYERS, MONROE, WISCONSIN. 

(i kn'i. .1. ('. Smith : 

Dear Comrade, — Yours, informing me that Col. Hicks came ashore, 
is before me. Give the -'schoolmaster abroad" my compound con- 
centrated regards. N. B. — To be well shaken before taken — the 
greediments, not the patient. 

Cannot report until near the 20th, as Mrs. B., Joe and daughter 
Grace now are taking in the White City: they can be found morning 
and evening at Hotel Normandie and at Wis. State building about 
noon, until Saturday, the 8th. 

Saw Andy Johnson (Yonson), Co. H. Says: "I dink vill go ef I 
got a Norvigian man to do my vork vile 1 am gone." Yours truly 
will answer roll-call with one; hope you will secure old Comrade 
McK\ in- sure. 

Yours 96thly, 
Dot Leddle Dutch Doctor. 
Don't let that rooster oud at the bottom of the order get away; all 
other poultry to be safe must roost high. 



58 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

li. f. sheppard, q. m. sergeant, gurnee. 

Deaf. General, Motheb and Family: 

1 received a very kind letter from you some time ago inviting me 
and my l>esi girl to a reception at your place on the 20th of July. I 

have been off duty some lately and have delayed answering it until 
now. and as 1 always tried to obey orders (except on chickens and 
mutton), unless the sick-call sounds, I shall be there. Best girl had 
the misfortune to hurt her ankle last August so bad she has to go on 
crutches part time now. so she will not be able to be there. I think 
we had all ought to get together as often as we can. for it will be but 
a few short years or days : and then 

The fife's shrill rail and bugle's blast 

Shall muster us no more, 
For we'll be numbered with the past 

On the banks of the other shore. 
But when life's trials all are fought. 

And we have beat our last tattoo, 
We'll muster again on that other shore 

And meet the Boys in Blue. 

Especially the Ninety-sixth. 



i m'taix william vincent, "a." company, galena. 

Col. <i eorge Eicks : 

Mil hear Old ' 'omrade, — Yours of 7th inst. is at hand. Was very glad 
to hear that yon are well. It will be a great pleasure to me to meet you 
once more and talk over our old stories of army life. I have seen 
several of the boys that are coming over on the 20th. I will be there 
if all be well: we are very busy, in the midst of harvest just now. 

Give my kindest regards to Gen. and Airs. Smith, and accept the 
same yourself. 



BEN. I". FOX, DRUMMER BOY, "A." COMPANY, FORT DODGE, IOWA. 

Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

1 was very much pleased to receive your communication extending 
an invitation to a reception at your home on duly 20th, in honor of 
Col. George Bicks, my old captain, and I assure you that nothing 
would afford me greater pleasure than to meel yourselves and him once 
more before \\ c arc mustered for the last roll-rail. 

Never a day passes but I think of my old Commander and his wife. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 59 

and of the times when we, the General and the youngest boy in the 
regiment, used to make the front file when on the march. I have been 
contemplating a trip to Chicago during the World's Fair, and this 
invitation will decide the matter in the affirmative, and fix tht time. 
If nothing happens to prevent, I will be present or accounted for when 
the roll is called at 6 p. m. July 20th next. 



OTHO .1. BUCK, WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA. 

Dear General and Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

With pleasure I write to you to answer your kind and generous 
invitation to meet you on the evening of Thursday, July 20th, 
the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. 

I assure you, dear General and Mrs. Smith, that I would like very 
much to meet you and avail myself of your kind invitation to your 
pleasant home. It would be one of the greatest pleasures to meet my 
dear old comrades of the glorious old Ninety-sixth. Business is such 
that I will have to decline your kind invitation. My best wishes to 
each of you and all comrades of the old Ninety-sixth. My heart is 
with you and yours. 1 sincerely hope that you will have a royal time. 
God bless you all. 



i u'tain george ii. burnett, waukegan. 

Dear General : 

Your invitation to attend a reunion July 20th, the anniversary of 
thebattleof Peach Tree Creek, fought July 20th, 1864, is received, 
and you may look for me to be present to gel a meal of that rooster 
if captured at that battle. 



SERGEANT II. C. WHITNEY, TEMPLETON, CALIFORNIA. 

1 1 en. J. ( '. Smith : 

Dear Friend and Comrade, — Your kind invitation to attend the 
anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree ('reek. July 20. although it is 
not possible for me to be with yon at that time, yet it does me so much 
good to think I am remembered by you. I often look over the recep- 
tion of Dec. 16, 1889, to see how many of the boys are able to 
respond either in person or by letter. I would like to meet the boy- 
of the Ninety-sixth once more before the final muster. bu< every year 



60 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 

makes the chances less. I think the chicken at the bottom of your 
letter must have known the boys, and remembers them also, the way 
he is making tracks. He must think some of them will be there. 



SERGEANT DANIEL OSMAN, FAIRMOUNT, MINNESOTA. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Dear Old Commander and your Good Wife, — Many thanks for your 
kind invitation for July 20. Nothing in this whole world would 
please me more than to meet the old boys at your hospitable home, 
but I regret to say that circumstances will not permit of it. 

Wishing you a most joyous occasion, with many returns of the 
same, and hoping that I may yet have the pleasure of grasping you 
by the hand before we pass to " Fame's Eternal Camping Ground." 



H. J. BANGS, MULBERRY GROVE. KANSAS. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Your invitation to be present at your place on July 20th is received, 
and it would please me very much to be present and meet you and all 
the old comrades that will be there, and I will try to make arrange- 
ments to come, but it looks gloomy and I can't see my way clear at 
present. I trust you will all have a good time generally, and may 
you mark out on the festal board plans and specifications for many 
great reunions to follow this one now under contemplation. If I can- 
not be there at this reunion I hope I maybe at some future reunion and 
have a shake of the hand of you, yours and all old comrades, and now 
may you all live to see many more such uood times. 



OLIVER C. KINGSLAND, CAMP DOUGLAS. 

( i en". J. C. Smith : 

Dear Comrade, — I received your kind invitation, and deeply regret 
that I cannot be with you, owing to my poor health and that of my 
family. Outside of my own, there are none I would like so well to 
see as you all. Give my best regards first to yourself and family, then 
to all the rest, telling them I hope to meet them on the " Eternal 
Cam]) Ground." Dr. Byers will tell you, if he has time, more than I 
can write, as he is on duly here this week, surgeon of the First Regi- 
ment Wisconsin National Guards. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 61 

CAPTAIN JOHN K. POLLOCK, COMPANY " C," MILLBURN, ILL. 

Mv Dear General and Mrs. Smith : 

Your kind invitation to meet with the old comrades at your home 
Thursday evening, July 2(), 1893, duly received and accepted. Count 
on one from here. Those I met yesterday were unanimous for attend- 
ing, and there were many of them at the decoration in Waukegan. 

I fear that rooster has got too much the start yet he is not safe if 
the Ninety-sixth gets after him. 



SERGEANT JAMES M. TAYLOR, TAYLORVILLE. 

.M v I >i: \i; G eneral : 

I received your kind invitation to attend a reunion of members of 
the Ninety-sixth at your home on the evening of July "20, to meet Col. 
Hicks, and have been looking forward to the time of meeting with much 
pleasure, anticipating a happy gathering. But you know the " besl 
laid plans of men, as well as mice, gang aft aglee." and I find myself 
to-night obliged to send my regrets instead of taking the train myself. 
I cannot express to you mv disappointment at not being able to be 
present. I, with every comrade, owe you and Mrs. Smith a debt of 
gratitude for the opportunity of meeting each other in your hospita- 
ble home. Please remember me to the " boys " who come, and with 
kind regards to you and Mrs. Smith, and 1 wish you a very happy and 
enjoyable reunion. 



CORPORAL HARRY P. BARNUM, WAUKEGAN, ILL. 

My Dear <i eneral : 

Your kind invitation to "'enjoy another happy reunion," and "aid 
in giving a royal welcome" to Colonel Hicks received, and I am 
ashamed for not answering it sooner. I assure you it will give me 
great pleasure to be with you. but Mrs. B.'s health is so poor that she 
will probably not be able to go with me. 

Alrhough I •'tramp'' for a living, and am still a pretty good 
walker. I realize that I am not as long-winded as I was thirty years 
ago ; and that chicken has the appearance of going too fast for me. 
Put as you have got him on the run, if you will "push " him gently 
I will try and "' get into position" to " cut off his retreat." 



02 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



captain a. z. blodgett, company " i), waukegan. 

General and Mrs. Smith : 

Your kind invitation to meet Colonel Hicks and other old com- 
rades at your house was received, and I hesitated about accepting it — 
afraid of the rooster ; but mother says she does not think it will bite, 
and that we should accept. She says she won't wear any red in her 
bonnet. So if everything is favorable we will be on hand. Many 
thanks for the invitation. 



lieut. jerry ii. linklater, chicago. 

My Dear General : 

I received your kind invitation to celebrate the anniversary of the 
battle of Peach Tree Creek at the headquarters of the Ninety-sixth Illi- 
nois Volunteers, No. 65 Sibley street, on Thursday, July 20, 1893, and 
return you my heartfelt thanks for the same. I shall endeavor to be 
in line at roll call on that occasion with my " best girl," and will be 
much gratified to meet our brave and honored comrade, Colonel George 
Hicks. 

The illustration at the bottom of your circular is a happy reminder 
of by-gone days. I suppose that chick is trying to get away from 
some Ninety-sixth forager, but he might as well sit down ; his days 
are numbered, and his doom is sealed. 

I hope to see a large gathering of the " old boys " this year. We 
will not have the pleasure of a great many more reunions, and this 
time we shall all enjoy a jolly good time at headquarters. 



corporal john c. thompson, middleburg, clay co., florida. 

My Dear General and Mother op Eegiment : 

It grieves me very much that I cannot grasp the hand of one I 
followed in battle and one who is well-named the Mother of the Eegi- 
ment, but I assure you that it is my infirmities alone that keep me 
back. It would be one of the greatest joys I ever expect to have to 
be with you all. Please have your Secretary state that John C. 
Thompson is there in heart. 

1. M. DOUGLAS, LAKE VILLA. 

Di: \ i: G i;\ ERAL : 

Your kind invitation and rooster arrived all 0. K. Must sav the 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. ''»3 

rooster looks as though lie had been on short rations. I think lie is 
one that escaped the Ninety-sixth in Kentucky when after John 
Morgan one day in the rain and back the next night in the old camp. 
But, nevertheless, we thank you and yours for the kind invitation, 
and if all is well -Inly 20 you can order ox-tail soup for two. 



R. 8. TIIAIN. <> A K PARK. 



General and Mrs. .1. 0. Smith : 

Bear Commander and " Mother",— Mrs. Thain and myself accept 
with thanks your kind invitation to be present at your home on the 
evening of duly 20th next, to participate in another " Reunion " with 
our " Old Commander " and "the Mother of the Regiment," and also 
to meet our beloved Colonel ILieks. We anticipate a great deal of 
pleasure, and again thank you for the invitation. We congratulate 
you on your crest — the rooster rampant. 



CAPTAIN -I. 1'. BLACK, < oMI'ANV " E. 

(, i mk \i. wo Mrs. .). C. Smith : 

1 am in receipt of your valued invitation to meet the comrades of 
the old Ninety-sixth, and regret that it, will he impossible for me to 
attend, as business will compel me to be in the State of Washington 
at that time. I would indeed be glad to meet the members of the old 
regimen! for what will be the last time for many of us, and especially 
do I want to see Col. Hicks. 



CAPTAIN WM. F. TAYLOR, CHICAGO. 

Mv Dear General and Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

Your kind invitation to my good wife and myself to again meet 
the dear old comrades of the Ninety-sixth at your home is received. 
It gives us great pleasure to accept the kind invitation, and assure you 
that nothing but sickness or death will prevent us from availing our- 
selves of the opportunity of looking into the faces and pressing the 
hands of our comrades. 

I> s. — Is the chicken represented by the picture on the invitation 
a descendant of those Uossville chickens ? 



64 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

LIEUT. E. P. TODD, CHERRY YALE, KANSAS. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Dear Commander, — Your kind invitation to be present on the even- 
ing of July 20th has been thankfully received. It would give us 
great pleasure to do so, and although it is the wrong time of the year 
for Southern farmers to leave their business, as it is about the close of 
oat harvest and the beginning of stacking, still we will try to 
answer to roll call. 



corporal john grabham, kansas city, missouri. 

Dear Commander : 

Mr. and Mrs. J. Grabham accept with pleasure your very kind 
invitation to be present at the reception tendered by you to your old 
regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, at your home, 05 
Sibley street, Chicago, July 20th. We are on our way East and will 
be present. 



.TOHISi A. RUSH, APPLE RIVER. 

Gen. J. C. Smith : 

There is nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with 
you and the Mother of the Regiment and Comrade Hicks, but shall 
have to beg to be excused. Please give my best regards to Colonel 
Hicks. 



franklin w. pierce, company " f, ' elizabeth. 

Dear General and Mrs. Smith : 

Your very kind invitation to meet Col. Hicks at your headquarters, 
July 20, makes me happy. Some of the boys from Jo Daviess and 
myself will be present for roll call and any duty assigned us, even 
to catching that chicken. 



CHARLES G. LITTMAN, NEENAH, WIS. 

<;en'l and Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation for July 20. ''.»:J. 
and, providence permitting, I shall endeavor to avail myself of the 
pleasure of meeting you all once more. I have made several efforts to 
meet you, General, but always failed to make proper connection. Trust 
1 shall lie permitted to see yon this time. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. G5- 

GEORGE PULHAM, WYKOFF, MINN. 

Gen'l J. C. Smith : 

Bear Comrade, — Your kind invitation received a short time ago, 
and since I received the same I have been very ill, but am able to get 
around. Shall endeavor to be with you and yours, if no preventing 
providence ; if I don't, rem* tuber me kindly to all the old boys. 



CAPTAIN b. g. blowney, company " g," waukegan. 

Dear General : 

The kind invitation of yourself and Mrs. Smith is received, remind- 
ing me that few are the years left us for reunions before we take our 
place on "Fame's eternal camping ground," for "the boys" are 
steadily dropping out by the way, reminding us that " Xightly we 
pitch our tents a day's march nearer home." 

I know of no reason to prevent my meeting with you. Mrs. Smith, 
Col. Hicks and many of the old comrades on the evening of the 20th. 



lieut. james 0. havens, (ilidden, iowa. 

Dear Gen'l and Mrs. Smith: 

Received your kind invitation for 20th in good time and am very 
much obliged. I have delayed answering in hopes I could write you 
something definite, but am uncertain as yet ; still in hopes I can come. 
Seems as though I must, but am alone to do my work, and can't do as 
much as I would like to. Perhaps I will find it impossible to get 
away, but shall make a supreme effort. 



CORPORAL J. A. MASON, PRAIRIE VIEW. 

(I ex. J. C. and Mother Smith: 

I received your kind invitation to be present at the reunion of the 
"boys" of the Ninety-sixth on the anniversary of Peach Tree Creek 
(how well I remember the day, notwithstanding twenty-nine years 
have been added to my age since that event). 

It will afford me and Mrs. M. the greatest of pleasure to be present 
on that occasion and greet my old comrades, and nothing but the direst 
calamity or sickness will prevent. 

Say, ain't that rooster a stunner ? If he keeps that gait he will be 



GG NINETY-SIXTH KEGIMENT, 



all right ; but if he ever halts or turns back he is lost — the "boys 
will get him, sure. 



CORPORAL JARED 0. BLODGETT, DUNCAN, NEBRASKA. 

Comrade J. C. Smith : 

I am in receipt of your letter of May 26, requesting the presence 
of myself and wife to a reception at your place. Notwithstanding the 
pleasure it would afford me to be with you on that occasion, circum- 
stances will not permit of my being there at that time of year. 



EDWIN DRURY, WILMETTE, COOK CO. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Your kind invitation to the "Assembly" and " Retreat," on the 
evening of Thursday, July 20, 1893, came to hand in due time, and 
was at once and most gladly accepted by myself and "best girl." 

The anticipation of meeting our brave, good comrade, Colonel 
George Hicks, once more on this side of "Fame's eternal camping 
ground,'" is a most delightful one. 

As we draw near unto "life eternal," the blessed memory of the 
comrade, living or dead, who stood "shoulder to shoulder" with us 
under the " dear old flag " in the clays of our early manhood and in 
defense of our beloved country, become more and more sacred and 
ennobling. 

Excuse me for the neglect in accepting your kind invitation sooner, 
and believe me to be, yours in sincerity and truth, one of the humblest 
of "your following," in " those days that tried men's souls." 



CAPTAIN JOSEPH L. PIERCE, COMPANY' "H," MT. VERNON, WIS. 

My Dear Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

How I would like to be with you on the 20th, and meet Col. Hicks 
and other old comrades. I regret that I am too busy to go, more than 
I can tell you, because there is a feeling that it will be the last chance 
of meeting many of the old comrades. I have delayed writing in hopes 
that I could get away. We are now in the midst of haying ; there is 
hay to the right, hay to the left, hay to the front, and if I should go 
there would be hay in the rear. Please give my best wishes to Col. 
Hicks and all the comrades present, and tell them how sorry I am that 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 67 



I cannot meet them. I'll try hard to spend a couple of weeks in 
Chicago in September. 



SERGEANT C. J. REES, BURLINGTON JUNCTION, MO. 

Dear Comrade : 

It is with regret that I write that I cannot be with you at the 
reunion on the 20th of July, 1893. I had intended to be there, and 
did not give it up till to-day ; but there is sickness in my family of 
such a nature that I can not leave. I am a good deal disappointed 
this time in not being at this reunion, for as soon as I read your kind 
invitation I fully decided to go ; but so it was at the unveiling of the 
Grant statue in Galena. I expected to be there but was disappointed 
then. I feel that there will be many at your place I would like to see 
very much whom I will never see again on this earth. I have not 
seen but few of the boys since \\f separated in Chicago in 1865. I 
sometimes see Capt. Townsend. He is the same good, jolly fellow as 
of old. I have seen Frank Carver several times, but not lately. 
Frank has grown old. more perhaps than some others, while we are 
all on the decline. I wish to be remembered to Mother Smith. 



THEO. (BY MRS.) PETTIBONE, WARREN. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Your very kind and cordial invitation received to be present at the 
celebration of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and we both regret 
very much that we cannot be present on that occasion. We have none 
of those excuses to offer that were given in the olden time. We have 
not hought a piece of land or a yoke of oxen. Neither has Mr. Pet- 
tibone taken a new wife, for he has the same wife he left at home when 
he went "to wall"; but the real truth is we can't afford the expense. 
I hope you will have a pleasant reunion and a joyous time. 



LIEUT. GEORGE MARSHALL. COMPANY "' I," STORM LAKE, IOWA. 

Gen. J. C. Smith : 

I expected to have been with you the 20th (to-morrow), but find it 
impossible. I regret it very much, as I realize that we are getting 
fewer in number, and it will not be but a few years at the longest that 
we can meet together. I know that Iowa will be well represented (not 
misrepresented) by one that is good on a swap when it comes to mak- 



68 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

ing statements as to what the Ninety-sixth done in putting down the 
rebellion. I refer to Ben Fox, of Co. "A." You will find Ben a 
square boy (about as broad as he is tall). Wishing you a happy 
reunion and a good time generally I remain yours. 



SERGEANT W. C. WOOLSEY, MAYOR OF J5ATAYIA, NEW YORK. 

General J. C. Smith : 

Dear Comrade, — I was in hopes to have been able to be with you 
on the 20th, but will have to give it up. My wife has been sick since 
last March with inflammatory rheumatism, and is so lame and helpless 
I cannot leave her. Please remember me to all the comrades present. 
I do not think of anything that would give me more pleasure than to 
join with you on this anniversary or reunion of the old Ninety-sixth. 



charles r. tippett, scales mound. 

Dear General : 

Received the invitation, from yourself and your much respected 
wife, to the reception to be given at your home on the ,20th inst., and in 
reply will say nothing could give me more pleasure than to meet with 
my brave General and his wife and the boys of the Ninety-sixth, but 
I cannot say for certain that I will be there. However, I will come if 
I can make it convenient to do so. I sincerely hope you will have a 
good time all together, and if I do not come give my best respects to 
all present. My kindest regards to yourself and wife, and best wishes 
for your future health and prosperity. 



REV. JOHN E. EVANS, STOCKTON. 

Gen. J. C. Smith : 

Dear General and Comrade, — Having received your invitation to 
attend a reunion of the comrades of the glorious old Ninety-sixth at 
your home in the city of Chicago, I feel very much disappointed be- 
cause it will be impossible for me to attend. It would be very desir- 
able for me to be with you and to meet our beloved comrade, Col. Geo. 
Hicks. I write this so that although I will not be able to answer to 
roll-call, 1 want to be "accounted for/' From the " cut" on the mar- 
gin of your letter of invitation I know that you will have a good time. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 69 

I tender to you and Mrs. Smith my sincere thanks for the kind invita- 
tion, and pray that the Lord may spare your lives for many years to 
come. God bless all the " boys "' of the old Ninety-sixth. Please 
remember me very kindly to Col. Hicks. 



MAT. WHITE, MASON, WISCONSIN. 

Gen. John C. Smith : 

Dear G< neral, — Your invitation received, and in reply to it would 
say that nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with 
yourself and wife and the surviving comrades who may be present 
on that occasion, for there are not many more years left for us to meet; 
the dear old comrades are dropping off fast, and when I think of the 
dear old boys the tears almost start in my eyes. 

Have you sent an invitation to Comrade David Young, or do you 
know his uddress ? For fear you do not, I will give it to you : David 
Young, Virginia, Minnesota. 

I had the pleasure of having Dave spend the night with me in 
January last. Dave is hale and hearty yet, and if he should go, him 
and I could come together as tins would be his route. I am not in 
Barronett now, I am seventeen miles from Ashland, am scaler for the 
White River Lumber Co.; do not draw any pension as yet; made appli- 
cation two years ago, but seems that it is an up-hill business togetone. 

Will close, hoping that all surviving comrades may be at roll-call 
and have a rousing good old time. 

With the kindest regards to you and wife. 



General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : 

Health permitting, I expect to be with you on the 20th inst. 



CHARLIE SMITH, SALEM, NEBRASKA. 

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. SxMith : 

Dear t 'omrade, — It is with a sad heart and many regrets I am com- 
pelled to say that I cannot be with you on July 20th, the anniversary 
of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. 

Mrs. Smith is very feeble indeed; could not stand such a journey 



70 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

as that, as much as we would love to visit you ; we shall always cherish 
the memory of you and your esteemed wife and be with you in heart 
on that occasion. 

May God bless you all is the wish of your comrade. 



THOMAS MORGAN, ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA. 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

Kind Friends, — Your note received ; glad to hear from you again. 
It would be a great pleasure to me to clasp hands with the boys that 
once belonged to the grand old Ninety-sixth; many have passed over 
the river and it won't be long till we have answered the last roll-call. 
It will be impossible for me to come. If I had got my pension I 
certainly would have come, but I was not one of the lucky ones. My 
regards to all the comrades, and you and wife accept the same. 



sergeant chris. c. cowen, st. louis. 

Dear General : 

I regret very much to say that present indications are that I can 
not be present to enjoy your hospitality on the eve of the 20th. 



THEO. W. PEPOON, TABLE ROCK, NEBRASKA. 

Dear Comrade, — The kind invitation of yourself and Mrs. Smith 
to be with you the evening of July 20th is received. I will try hard to 
be there with one of my best girls. I have several. I may possibly fail 
to get there, but to be on the safe side a few extra pounds of pork and 
beans had better be drawn. Unless the boys' appetites have changed 
wonderfully since I saw them last, there will be no danger of any eat- 
a I ties spoiling on your hands. 

Don't let the chicken get away. 



harmon s. dean, ironton, wisconsin. 

Gen. and Mrs Smith : 

I am sorry to inform you that I cannot be jjresent on account of 
sickness of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Would be glad to be 
with you and celebrate one of the great battles of the Atlanta campaign. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 71 

To you, General, and Mrs. Smith, the mother of the regiment, I 
send my thanks for your kind invitation. 

Many letters have been received since the reception, 
telling how the "boys "and their "best girls" enjoyed 
themselves. We submit one from General A. L. Chetlain, 
and the other from Comrade George Teal, written by his 
"best girl." Each expresses the sentiments of the many 
we hear from, and we rejoice that so many were made 
happy. 

GENERAL A. L. CHETLAIN, 536 N. STATE STREET, CHICAGO. 

M\ Dear General: 

1 write to say that I enjoyed the hour last evening under your 
hospitable roof more than I can express. I did not see you or your 
good wife to say this before leaving. I congratulate you on the 
marked success of last evening's reunion of your old comrades. Every 
one I met seemed happy or joyful. God bless you for being the means 
of so much genuine enjoymeni to others. My warm regards to Mrs. 
Smith and to your dear daughter. 



MRS. GEO. TEAL, LAMONI, DECATUR CO., IOWA. 

Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith: 

Dear Comrade and Wife, — We were at your house the night of the 
reception, and were never at a meeting of the soldiers that we were 
so well pleased. There could not have been a nicer gathering, and 
though they were nearly all as strangers to me, I never enjoyed myself 
any better, but 1 could see that Old Time had laid his fingers on the 
General since I saw him in St. Louis five or six years ago, so that he 
looks much older. I was well pleased with your Jamaica guests. 

Capt. Taylor does not look much older than when we saw him at 
his residence four years ago. I will send you our photos ; you will see 
that George's is good but mine is not ; the part in my hair is not good, 
being too wide. Give my love to all your folks. 



72 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 



From the Press, August 30, 1893. 
DINNER TO THE HERO OF FRANKLIN. 

Major-General David S. Stanley and daughter Blanche were 
entertained yesterday at General J. C. Smith's residence, and a nice 
little dinner party given in his honor brought together several com- 
rades of many battlefields. General Stanley was the commander of 
the Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, and was in 
command of all the troops on the field at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 
30th, 18G4. When the center of the Federal army, on the Columbia 
pike, was broken by the fierce assault of Cleburne, it was General 
Stanley who, grasping Opdyke's brigade, hurled it upon the advanc- 
ing columns and caused their repulse. The battle was Stanley's, 
and though severely wounded he remained upon the field and in 
command until victory perched upon his banners. 

Among the guests present at General Smith's to do honor to the 
brave commander were : 

General and Mrs. J. C. Smith ; Hon. Thomas and Mrs. Oughton, 
of Kingston, Jamaica, W. L; Major E. A. Blodgett, city ; Hon. C. A. 
Partridge, Mayor of Waukegan ; Major B. G. Blowney, Major George 
H. Burnett, Captain Asiel Z. Blodgett, of Waukegan ; Henry H. 
Gage, city ; Miss Ruth A. Smith, city, and Miss Gertrude K. Wood, 
of Newport, Ky. 



ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 73 



As the the last form goes to press we are sadly reminded 
of the force of the first sentence in our invitation to the 
Reunion, an account of which we are now writing, that 
its memories may be preserved. In that invitation we 
say: "Few are the years which remain for you and your 
old Commander before we must take our place on 'Fame's 
eternal camping ground.' Since that Reunion informa- 
tion reaches us of the death of our old ambulance driver, 
Morancy Putnam, of "K" Company, date 1893, place not 
named, and Henry Darby, private, "G" Company, De- 
cember 20, 1893, at Liberty vi lie, Illinois. 

Simon Griburg (Kreits burg) , "E" Company, Novem- 
ber, 1893, at Schappsville, Illinois. 

Still another comrade lias crossed the dark river and this 
time it is "Charlie" Earle. Charles W. Earle was a First 
Lieutenant of k 'C : ' Company and breveted Captain for 
gallantry on the recommendation of General Smith. We 
stop the press to include this sad news and add to our 
report what the daily newspapers have to say of our dear 
deceased comrade Earle. 

"So ready to do and to dare 

Should we in our places stand, 
Fulfilling the Master's will, 

Fulfilling the soul's demand. 
For though as the mountains high 

The billows may rear and toss, 
They'll not overwhelm if the Lord's at the helm— 

( >ne more river to cross." 



74 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

DR. C. W. EARLE DEAD. 

THE NOTED PHYSICIAN PASSES AWAY AFTKR A SHORT ILLNESS — 
HIS FAMOUS WAR RECORD — IN COMMAND OF A COMPANY 
WHEN ONLY EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD — FOR MANY 
YEARS KNOWN IN CHICAGO AS A PRO- 
FESSOR IN THE MEDICAL 
COLLEGES. 

Dr. Charles Warrington Earle, president of the Board of Directors 
of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, president of the Women's 
Mei 1 ical ( '< dlege and one of the most prominent of Chicago's physicians, 
died yesterday afternoon, Nov. 19, at 2 o'clock, after an illness of nearly 
four weeks. His death resulted from cerebro-spinal meningitis, and 
occurred at his residence. No. 535 Washington boulevard. Doctor 
Earle's demise had been expected for more than a week, as the malady 
which caused his death resisted all the skill that medical aid could 
bring to the sick man's assistance. His end was peaceful, and came 
while he was surrounded by all the members of his family. Saturday 
evening about 5 o'clock he spoke for the last time, recognizing his 
wife and calling her by name. Shortly after he became unconscious 
and continued so until the end came. 

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. 

Charles Warrington Earle was born in Westford, Vt., April 2, 1845, 
his parents being Moses L. and Nancy Earle. In 1854 his father came 
to Illinois, settling on a farm in the township of Fremont, Lake 
county, where the boy remained until the war of the rebellion. He 
made the best of his opportunities in the district and select schools, 
and was well advanced with his studies when work in this line was 
interrupted by the call of his country for volunteers. After a few 
months of military service he again resumed his studies, attending 
the high school at Burlington, Wis., for two terms. Then came three 
years of army life, following which, in September, 1865, he entered 
Beloit College. There he made rapid progress, doing two years' work 
i" "i"'- In boyhood he had determined to enter the medical profes- 
sion, ami so after three years at Beloit he matriculated in Chicago 
Medical College, taking his degree in 1870. 

CAREER IN THE ARMY. 

His army life was a remarkable one in many respects. Only six- 
teen years of age the April Sumter was fired on, he at once enlisted in 



TLLENOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 75 

Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, his regiment serving under 
General Fremont in Missouri. After six months he met with an acci- 
dent while assisting in unloading a transport on the Missouri river, 
and was discharged for disability. Returning home he attended the 
high school at Burlington, Wis., for two terms, and then enlisted in 
Company C, Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 
being made first sergeant at the organization of his company. Before 
reaching his eighteenth birthday he was promoted to the rank of 
second lieutenant, and in this capacity commanded his company at 
the battle of Chickamauga, where out of forty-five men thirty-five 
were either killed or wounded. Official reports of the battle made 
special mention of his bravery, and a correspondent of the New York 
Tribune spoke of him as the "lion-hearted boy lieutenant." Two 
days afterward, when the army retreated into Chattanooga, by some 
mischance his company, with one other of his regiment, was left on 
.Mission Ridge and captured. Of the fourteen men captured with him, 
nine died in prison. 

Lieutenant Earle escaped from Libby Prison through the famous 
tunnel, and after a week of wandering in the Virginia woods, where 
he suffered extremely from cold, hunger and fatigue, he reached the 
Union lines near Williamsburg. Returning to bis command he was 
promoted to first lieutenant, and commanded a company much of the 
time during the Atlanta campaign. He was then detailed on the staff 
of General Whittaker, serving as aid-de-camp and acting inspector- 
general through the subsequent campaigns of the Fourth Corps, being 
breveted captain, and repeatedly mentioned for heroic conduct in bat- 
tle. When but twenty years old he returned home, the war being 
over. 

Doctor Earle was married in 1871 to Miss Fannie L. Bundy, sister 
of Major Bundy, of the New York Evening Mail and Express. He 
leaves a widow and two children, Carrie and William B. 



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